Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is to convene a special meeting to discuss the cost-of-living crisis, and while the Chair said “emergency planning mode” was triggered in 2020 for the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chief Executive advised a revised budget is being prepared as finances will be far in excess of what was needed for Covid-19.

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Sheamus Greene told members he is “in fear for the community” due to the cost-of-living crisis, and called for a special meeting to be convened ahead of the winter months to establish what the Council could do to assist.

He suggested carrying out a scoping exercise of community halls “to see what provision they have for the winter and if they will even be able to run activities”.

He continued: “Other councils are looking into the possibility of community halls opening up as a warm place for people if they cannot heat their homes.

“The social supermarket model, community support grants and numerous other matters need to be discussed.

“Whatever little we can do, it could save somebody’s life. I am really fearful of what’s going to happen this winter.”

This was seconded by party colleague, Councillor Anthony Feely, and passed without dissent.

The Chair, Councillor Barry McElduff, remarked: “In Spring, 2020, the Council went into full emergency planning mode regarding Covid-19, and it’s my view it will be the same in the cost-of-living crisis.”

Chief Executive Alison McCullagh advised members of her expectation of a report next month on “what is essentially a revised budget”.

She continued: “I appreciate the focus of the proposal is very much on community impact and how we can help, but we need to bring the real financial impact this is having on the Council as an organisation in terms of utility, electricity and other costs.”

She added: “All of the indications are that the financial settlements required associated with the cost-of-living crisis will be far in excess of what was needed for Covid-19.

“It is also indicated there will be no central government support this time to local authorities, and we will have to absorb costs within our own budgets, which will be very significant.

“There is a likelihood there may have to be wider civil contingency arrangements, of which emergency planning would be one, to deal with the impact of this crisis across Northern Ireland as we head into the winter months.”

In respect of providing a warm place, Ms McCullagh explained: “Treasury support has been available in England for that; however, it appears that will not be available to councils.

“We would actively engage with the community sector around their halls.”

Independent Councillor Eamon Keenan felt a special council meeting was a good idea.

He said: “We are linked into our communities and embedded in groups across the different areas. We would have a certain amount of knowledge.

“But there are also groups already set up, including the Cost-of-Living Crisis Group in Omagh, and there’s the Anti-Poverty Action Group.

“These groups have been formed out of necessity and their input would be useful for the Council.”