Council confirms £200 cost of living payments to be paid to thousands this year
In its announcement yesterday, Salford Council confirmed that it would provide households who lost their Winter Fuel payments last year with £200 this winter to help with energy costs
A UK council has confirmed that it will be paying certain residents £200 to help with energy costs this year. The help comes through Salford Council's Household Support Fund scheme.
This is a government-funded cost of living initiative which gives local councils pots of cash to help struggling households living in that area. Each council decides what help it will offer to residents, an you can only claim support from your local authority.
The government gave Salford Council £4.8 million for its Household Support Fund this year following its extension. In its announcement yesterday, Salford Council confirmed that it would provide households who lost their Winter Fuel Payments last year with £200 this winter to help with energy costs.
Salford's Winter Support Payment scheme will give cash to those over 65 who may be eligible for Pension Credit but have not yet claimed it or are still to apply for it. Last year, 92% of the 3,000 Salford residents who were eligible received a payment through the scheme.
Energy and supermarket vouchers will be provided to those struggling to cover those costs. Alongside this, it will also be issuing holiday food vouchers to eligible children during school holidays and support additional council services, including housing and adult social care. The scheme will also fund Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners to deliver food banks, food clubs, and food schemes.
According to the council, since the Househodl Support Fund started in 2021, Salford Council has received more than 50,000 applications. Those who want to apply for support can do so through Salford Council's website.
The money will be managed and distributed by Salford City Council's Assist team. The Council has confirmed that residents do not need to be claiming benefits to apply for the Household Support Fund. However, those who do apply need to provide evidence that they are unable to cover the costs themselves.
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Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett added: 'This funding has made a real difference to people's lives in Salford. It has helped families put food on the table, kept homes warm during winter, and ensured that children don't go hungry during the school holidays.
He continued: 'We're committed to using this funding to keep that support going. I urge any resident facing financial difficulties to explore the support available through the Household Support Fund.'
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