Household Support Fund April to September 2024
The Council has received nearly £2.5 million from the Department for Work and Pensions to support people with their food, energy and other essential household costs.
The scheme runs from 1 April to 30 September 2024.
Find out more about cost-of-living payments 2024/25 from the Government’s Cost of Living Hub.
The Council will be distributing these funds through the following schemes:
FOOD VOUCHERS FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Vouchers will be provided to children eligible for free school meals to cover school holidays through to October half term. Vouchers are for £15 each week and are distributed by the schools.
All eligible in receipt of free school meals will receive the vouchers. There is no need to apply.
LOCAL COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT TOP UP
The Council is topping up the Local Council Tax Support Scheme to provide that the lowest income households in receipt of Local Council Tax Support will not have to pay the minimum payment of Council Tax in 2024/25.
Households receiving Local Council Tax Support will be awarded the extra support automatically and do not need to make an additional application.
To apply for Local Council Tax support, use our online form.
DISCRETIONARY HOUSING PAYMENTS
The Council is topping up the fund available to make Discretionary Housing Payments to meet additional demand.
Discretionary Housing Payments are extra payments to help pay rent. They can be awarded to people who are already receiving Housing Benefit or get the housing element of universal credit but need more help with housing costs.
To apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment, please use the online form here.
ENERGY CRISIS SUPPORT
The Council is providing Energy Crisis support with grants of up to £250 on receipt of an eligible application.
PROVISION OF household and personal hygene goods
Local foodbanks continue to provide valuable support to residents needing to draw on crisis food provision. The Open Arms project supporting people through advice and drop-in sessions in localities is also helping people through cost-of-living pressures.
Household Support Fund will provide for further assistance with the provision of household goods including cleaning materials and personal hygiene products alongside food and other support. Access will be through the usual service provided by local foodbanks and Open Arms drop-in sessions as advertised.
SUPPORT FOR CARE LEAVERS
The Council, through its Children and Young People’s Services Directorate, is proving additional living support for food and utility bills for young people leaving care and setting up home. The Council works directly with the young people concerned and there is no need for any additional application process.
