Worcestershire to receive £7.9 million from latest allocation of the Household Support Fund

The scheme, which has been extended by 12 months, provides assistance to vulnerable households in most need of support.

 

This latest round of funding focuses on supporting vulnerable groups that may be facing additional costs, linked to energy and food.

 

The funding will be used to extend the energy support delivered by Act on Energy which provides assistance with energy debt, one off vouchers and new heating systems for residents who are eligible. It will also support in school holidays to those families in receipt of free school meals.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities for Worcestershire County Council, said: “This latest allocation from Central Government allows the work and support we are able to offer our residents through this scheme to continue. We will continue to work closely alongside our district council colleagues across the county to ensure residents are able to access key financial support and resources and the help they need.”

One off vouchers will continue to be issued to new pension credit recipients by the council, with a similar voucher scheme available to other pensioners, unpaid carers or people with a disability on low incomes through the Worcestershire Advice Network partners, led by Age UK Worcester and Malvern.

 

District councils will also have an allocation of funding and will be developing and delivering schemes in their local areas. 

 

The funding will be allocated to Councils from the Department of Work and Pensions. 

 

The scheme will run until 31st March 2024.

 

Worcestershire has been allocated over £19million since the scheme first launched in 2021.

 

More information can be found on the Household Support Fund pages of the County Council’s website.