As the cost of living rises in Britain, the government's Household Support Fund has become a lifeline for thousands of struggling households. This initiative channels financial resources to local councils, enabling them to provide targeted help to those most affected by the escalating cost of living.
Struggling Households to Benefit from £300 in Cost of Living Allowance
West Berkshire Council has taken proactive steps to ease the financial burden on its residents. Through free cash payments, the council aims to lessen the impact of increased spending.
The payment amounts are structured to take account of household size and composition. Single people can receive £150, while households with up to two children can claim £250. Larger families with more children can claim £300.
Importantly, recipients are not obliged to repay these funds, underlining the council's commitment to supporting people who have not received other forms of government assistance.
Application Process
To apply for cost-of-living allowances is simple. Local residents can easily submit their application online via the council's website. However, certain documents are required to complete the procedure:
- Household financial details: Including income, expenditure and savings.
- Bank statements: Provide a full month's statements for all accounts.
- Proof of address: A recent utility bill or other document confirming residence in West Berkshire.
- Family Details: For households with children, evidence such as Universal Credit or Child Benefit claims may be required.
- Optional documents: Additional utility bills may support the application.
Please note that incomplete applications without the required information will not be processed.
In its Spring Budget, the Government recently extended the Household Support Fund scheme until September 2024. However, residents outside West Berkshire Council's jurisdiction are not eligible for this particular assistance.
But, individual local councils offer their own support schemes, details of which can be found on each council's website, usually in a dedicated cost of living section.
Cornwall Council Secures £4.5m Funding for Household Support
Cornwall Council has been granted an additional £4.5 million in funding from the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This extra funding will allow the Council to maintain the operations of the Household Support Fund for a further six months, running from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024.
Part of this funding will be used to supply one-off cash assistance payments directly to low income households in the area.
Who Will Be Paid?
- 80 for pensioners receiving pension credit
- 80 for adults assessed as needing care at home and in receipt of a financial contribution towards the cost of care from Cornwall Council.
- £80 per child for families receiving Council Tax Support on 3 June 2024.
- 80 per child for families living in emergency accommodation on 3 June 2024. Placement in emergency accommodation must have been arranged through Cornwall Council's Housing Options service.
- Additional support during the school holidays is available through the Time2Move holiday programme.
Payments will be distributed automatically, and all eligible recipients will receive assistance before the end of June 2024.