'Better Lives' anti- poverty campaign launched in response to rising living costs and the end of the Household Support Fund
Rossendale Borough Council is launching a new borough-wide anti-poverty strategy in response to rising living costs and the end of the Household Support Fund. The 'Better Lives' campaign is backed by local data showing thousands of households are struggling and aims to ensure that every resident has access to the essentials needed for a decent quality of life.
The strategy sets out seven core ambitions: addressing debt, improving employment support, ensuring the basics are met, tailoring services for those most at risk, making every contact count, income maximisation and improving digital inclusion. These ambitions support three central goals: reducing poverty by tackling its root causes; mitigating its immediate effects by ensuring residents can access essentials such as food, warmth and safe housing; and improving joint working across the Council, public services, voluntary groups and the private sector.
Recent data for Rossendale shows child poverty is higher than the UK average, especially in Bacup and Stacksteads. Local insight from the Low Income Family Tracker in June 2025 showed, there were 4,822 households on low incomes, including 1,663 children, and 1,676 households were living below the poverty line. And around 39 percent of local homes are also poorly insulated, which makes them expensive to heat. With rising energy costs, older houses and more people needing help with food, pressure on struggling families is getting worse.
The strategy places a strong emphasis on early intervention, partnership working and support for the most vulnerable households across the Valley. It has been created following extensive research by the Council’s Communities Team and in partnership with Resolve Poverty, formerly the Greater Manchester Poverty Unit.
Councillor Liz McInnes, Lead Member for Communities, Housing, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Better Lives Rossendale is about ensuring that no one in our borough is left behind. We know that many households are facing real challenges, and this strategy brings together the Council, partners and community organisations to make a meaningful difference. By working collaboratively, listening to lived experience, and focusing on early intervention, we can help residents build resilience and improve their wellbeing. Every contact is a chance to help, and together, we can tackle poverty.”
Once approved, the strategy will be overseen by a new multi‑agency board bringing together a wide range of partners, including the Family Hub, Citizens Advice, Haslingden Community Link, Social Prescribing teams, Rossendale Valley Energy, Rossendale Works, Homewise and others. By working collectively, the Council and its partners aim to strengthen community resilience and ensure residents have equitable access to opportunities and services.
Although the national Household Support Fund is coming to an end, the Council is preparing for the introduction of the Government’s new Crisis and Resilience Fund, which will continue to provide essential help to those in financial crisis. In Year One of the strategy, the Council will also launch its ‘No One Left Behind’ campaign to promote the services available, share positive stories, reduce stigma and encourage residents to seek support before reaching crisis point.
The strategy reinforces the Council’s commitment to improving life for all residents, including those who are most vulnerable or living on low incomes. Its key messages are clear: no one in Rossendale should go without the basics; every contact is an opportunity to help; support is available; and by working together, the community can build a fairer and more resilient future.