Derby demands better! Deeds not words! We are keeping up the call for Derby City Council to put the words of the Socio-Economic Duty & Cost-Of-Living Motion (passed in May 2022 following our campaign) into action. We have submitted over 20 good practice examples from other councils and suggestions to ease the struggles, but the Council has been slow to act.

We submitted questions to the public Full Council meeting on 23rd November 2022 to challenge the lack of progress and vague promises on tackling poverty.

Questions were asked about the use of bailiffs to visit vulnerable households where folks have fallen behind on Council Tax. This has happened to struggling families including domestic abuse victims. We relayed reports of children being afraid and asking 'mummy, why is the scary man saying he will take our things?' We urged the Council to put debt support in place to help people get back on their feet instead of using public funds to send bailiffs to intimidate people struggling with debt. 

The Council was also prompted to report on the implementation of the Socio-Economic Duty and what steps are being taken to address the rise in domestic abuse linked to current financial pressures on already tense households and support for women who do not have the financial freedom to leave unsafe homes. 

The answers were vague and evasive with Conservative Councillors claiming that they are making great progress when we know that is not true. We will not be silenced by waffle and false claims and will continue to keep the pressure up. 

Meanwhile we are reaching out to other community projects and Council staff working on equality and frontline services to share good practice solutions. 

Contact us to get involved in our upcoming street actions, meetings and campaigns. E-mail: derbypeoplesassembly@gmail.com

or find us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derbypeoplesassembly