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To provide the following comments to
Communities Committee:
 

(1)          
Expressed concern about the increase of children living in
poverty.

(2)          
Expressed concern about the continuation of five week waiting times
for certain benefits.

(3)          
Childcare and out of school care is vital and has knock on impacts
for the rural economy.  

(4)          
There was a need to push the Care Commission on the issue of
building suitability standards for childcare settings.

(5)          
Consideration should be given to financial assistance for
childcare/out of school care startup costs or reduced costs for
childcare providers operating in Council buildings.

(6)          
The issue of pre-payment meters needed to be addressed
nationally.

(7)          
Availability of credit unions should be explored.

(8)          
Transport was a key issue and a solution needed to be found.

(9)          
Highlighted increased demand on food initiatives.

(10)       
Expressed concern about the impact of removing fireplaces from
Council homes.