Households in the Tandridge District facing financial hardship will soon benefit from £225 in financial assistance from the Government’s Household Support Fund, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
This initiative, supported by the Labour Party and backed by additional funding from Tandridge District Council, aims to relieve the continuing pressure of rising living costs.
Additional Local Contributions Ensure Wider Support
In a bid to extend the scheme’s reach, Tandridge District Council has allocated an extra £54,000 from its own resources. This additional funding will help ensure that as many eligible households as possible receive the financial assistance they need.
The grant amounts are determined based on household composition:
- Households without children: £125
- Households with children under 19: £225
These payments are intended to support the purchase of essential items, including food, fuel, and energy.
Applications Under Review
Applications for the grants have already closed, with the council now reviewing submissions to identify eligible recipients. Residents aged 16 or older who live in Tandridge and are struggling to afford essentials such as food, energy bills, or other critical items, were invited to apply for the assistance.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the grant, applicants needed to:
- Be aged 16 or older and live in the Tandridge District.
- Demonstrate financial hardship, particularly in affording essential living expenses.
- Provide evidence, such as:
- Recent bank statements,
- Arrears letters for overdue bills,
- Any other documentation supporting financial difficulties.
Application Process and Support for Grant Applicants
Applicants were required to submit documentation online through an application portal, though alternative methods were made available. Repeat applications were allowed, but priority was given to first-time applicants to maximise the scheme’s reach.
Residents who could not access the internet were encouraged to:
- Call the council on 01883 772000,
- Visit the Council Offices in Oxted, or
- Seek assistance from the Westway Centre in Caterham or Citizens Advice.
Submission Checklist
When applying, residents were required to:
- Complete the online application form or visit the council office.
- Provide the following documents:
- Proof of residence in Tandridge (e.g., utility bills).
- Evidence of dependents, if applying as a household with children.
- Documentation of financial difficulty, such as overdue rent or utility bills.
Supporting Residents: Tandridge District Council’s Commitment to Assistance
This scheme reflects Tandridge District Council’s commitment to supporting its residents during challenging times. By combining government and local funding, the council aims to address pressing needs and mitigate the economic strain on vulnerable households.
Contact Information for Further Assistance
- Council Phone Line: 01883 772000
- In-person assistance: Council Offices, Oxted
- Partner support: Westway Centre in Caterham, Citizens Advice
