Struggling households in Ribble Valley can now access cost of living support in the form of food vouchers, thanks to the latest round of funding from the Household Support Fund (HSF). With grants worth up to £500, this scheme provides crucial relief for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
The £158,983 allocated to Ribble Valley by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be distributed to local residents facing financial hardship. This initiative targets individuals and families who earn below a specified income threshold, ensuring that vulnerable groups receive timely assistance for essential needs.
Eligibility and Application Process
According to the Ribble Valley Borough Council, the vouchers range from £200 to £500, based on the size and circumstances of the household. Single-person households can receive a £200 voucher, those with two or more adults will be given £300, and households with children will be eligible for the full £500.
To qualify for this assistance, applicants must have a combined household income of less than £35,000 per year. The Household Support Fund specifically aims to help low-income households manage the rising costs of living, especially those struggling to afford essential goods such as food.
The application process is currently open and will remain available until July 11, 2025, provided that funding does not run out earlier. According to council officials, priority will be given to new applicants. Households that received assistance through the last funding round (HSF6) from October 2024 to March 2025 will not be eligible for this round of support.
Broader Impact Across the UK
Ribble Valley’s initiative is part of a wider nationwide effort to distribute Household Support Fund vouchers across the UK. According to various councils, support may vary depending on local needs and resources.
For example, Hull City Council offers £200 to pensioner households, while Doncaster provides payments based on the number of children in the household.
Such measures highlight the government’s push to address growing financial inequalities, particularly among lower-income groups. Each local authority decides how to allocate the funds, with many offering vouchers or cash grants that do not need to be repaid, thus easing immediate financial pressure on households.