RESIDENTS struggling to pay their utility bills can look to Warwickshire County Council for support.
The council’s Local Welfare Scheme is distributing government funding, from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund, to people living in the county who are finding it difficult to meet energy costs.
The Household Support Fund can provide short-term financial assistance in the form of a one-off voucher payment to meet immediate needs and help those who are finding it hard to afford energy and water payments.
This will supplement ongoing emergency support from the Local Welfare Scheme for residents in financial crisis.
Families and households in Warwickshire can apply whether they use pre-payment meters, pay by direct debit or on receipt of a gas, electricity or water bill. Residents are invited to contact the Local Welfare Scheme team for a confidential discussion about their situation. All applications for the payment must be made by December 8.
WCC spokeswoman Heather Timms said: “The cost for household energy continues to present significant challenges for households struggling with the increased costs of living. This fund will offer some small relief at a crucial time, and we urge Warwickshire residents to get in touch as soon as possible to find out more about making an application and enquire about other support that may also be available.”
Anyone entitled to benefits eligible free school meals has automatically been offered this support so will not be eligible though applications are welcome from others in financial difficulty at this time.
To apply call 0800 4081448 or 01926 359182 before December 8 to speak to an advisor in confidence. More information about the Local Welfare Scheme is available online.
Anyone looking for general support to help them face daily costs of living can visit the Warwickshire Cost of Living website. The website has information and advice from a range of services throughout the county on a range of money saving and debt management solutions.
