Today (Friday 19 August), Barking and Dagenham Council have launched a survey to better understand how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting residents across the borough and to help shape how the Council and its partners respond to issues such as food poverty and hardship.

The survey, which is anonymous, takes just five minutes to complete and includes questions around awareness of the help and support already available including free school meals and financial advice, and also looks at identifying what kind of help and support is needed most.

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: “We know households across the borough are being hit hard by the ever-increasing rise in the cost of living – and we want to say you are not alone.

“We will continue to lend a helping hand and for us to be able to do this as best we can, I urge you to take just five minutes to share with us how this crisis is affecting you and your household.”

Residents can have their say by Sunday 18 September at oneboroughvoice.lbbd.gov.uk/cost-of-living-survey

Residents who are worried about debt or money issues and are in need of support can speak to a trained and experienced debt advisor – whatever the situation may be. More information, along with a range of other support services, including links to foodbanks, additional funding and more, can be found at www.bdmoney.co.uk