Poverty-striken households in the UK are set to receive a lifeline in the form of £80 cost of living payments starting next month, as part of the Government's Household Support Fund scheme.
This move empowers local councils with funds to aid those in financial difficulty within their communities, with assistance generally taking the form of cash payments, supermarket vouchers, or help with bills.
£80 Payments to Support Families Amid Cost of Living Crisis
Cornwall Council is set to distribute £80 payments to many families in the UK starting in June. According to the council's website, these payments will start on June 3 and will be conducted until the end of the month.
The payments will be sent automatically, and will not require an application.
Families who claim Pension Credit and those with children receiving Council Tax support will be qualified for an £80 payment. Cornwall Council has explained that each child living in the property will warrant an £80 payment, this means that a family with three children could get £240.
According to the Mirror, those who do not claim Council Tax support have until May 31 to submit their claim to in order to qualify for the cost of living payment.
Additional Funds and Targeted Support for Low-Income Households in Need
Households with children living in temporary accommodation will also be elgible for an £80 payment per child. Adults assessed as requiring home care and getting a financial contribution towards the cost of care from Cornwall Council will also be qualified for an £80 payment.
Cornwall Council has been reinforced with a supplementary £4.5 million for the most recent extension of the Household Support Fund, which is set to run from April to September 2024. This financial addition will enable the council to carry on its support for those who were strongly affected by the cost-of-living crisis, including £80 payments and other additional amounts aimed at helping low-income families struggling to afford essentials.
For those in need of assistance from the fund, applications must be submitted through specific organisations, including:
- Age UK and the Isles of Scilly.
- Community Energy Plus.
- Citizens Advice Cornwall.
- DisAbility Cornwall & IoS.
- Cornwall Carers Service.
Councillor Dr Andy Virr, portfolio holder for adults and public health, said: "The cost-of-living crisis continues to have a huge impact on many families across Cornwall so it is good to see we have again secured this significant funding to help as many as possible. I hope it will go some way to ensure pensioners and parents in particular can pay their bills and put food on the table for their families."