Liberal Democrat councillors across Warwickshire are calling for an urgent county-wide summit to address the "escalating cost of living crisis", driven by "rising energy and food prices linked to ongoing international conflict in the Middle East".

With households facing "unprecedented financial pressure", the Liberal Dem group is urging Warwickshire County Council, as well as district and borough councils, local businesses, charities, and community groups to come together to coordinate a "robust and immediate response".

The group stresses the council must "improve coordination and visibility of the resources available for residents to access". 

Whilst the local authority already funds food banks, community pantries, energy advice services and wider cost‑of‑living support, Lib Dems say residents in real hardship do not have a "clear and accessible gateway to access urgent help". 

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: "Families across Warwickshire are being pushed to the brink.

"Energy bills remain high, food prices are rising, and too many residents are having to choose between heating and eating. We cannot afford to wait. Local leaders must come together now to take decisive action.

"This is not simply a question of money.

"WCC already runs food pantries, offers energy advice, and provides welfare support. The problem is that far too many of the people who rely on these services either don't know about them or struggle to access them.

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"That's why we need urgent, joined‑up action to raise awareness and make sure support reaches residents quickly, clearly and when they need it most.

"Therefore, the group calls on Warwickshire County Council leader, Councillor Finch, to commit to holding a summit within the next month on this specific issue, and ensure that residents and community organisations are central to shaping the response."

As well as the summit, the group wants WCC to launch a cross-party 'cost of living taskforce' within four weeks, create an online hub to signpost support, increase welfare assistance scheme funding, expand energy efficiency programmes for low-income households and create a 'Civil Society Covenant' bringing together the voluntary and community sector groups.

Lib Dems have also called for the three WCC-commissioned community pantries to have their funding extended beyond the current September 2026 deadline.

Cllr Roodhouse added: "This summit must deliver practical outcomes, not just discussion. We need clear actions to help residents now, and a longer-term plan to build resilience in our communities."