Help available for households in need across Wakefield district
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Wakefield Council has received £3.1 million from the Government’s Household Support Fund to help residents most in need with the high cost of living.
It will run from October 2024 to March 2025.
“The Household Support Fund is a lifeline for residents who are struggling. Price increases, across the board, are leaving them with less money to pay for essential items and costs.
“I know the wintertime can be particularly tough. And there will be many pensioners who have had their Winter Fuel Allowance taken away, who will be worried.
“This funding allows us to help residents directly, and there’s also lots of other ways we can offer support.”
Cllr Maureen Cummings
Cabinet Member for Communities and Poverty
The Household Support Fund was originally created in October 2021 as a response to the cost-of-living crisis. It helps with important things like gas, electricity and food.
Supermarket vouchers will be given automatically to all households in receipt of Council Tax Support. This will include a £130 voucher for pensioners who no longer receive Winter Fuel Allowance, helping them to free up money to put towards their heating bills.
The Fund will also provide support to vulnerable households in most need of help with significantly rising living costs. Particularly those who may not have received any other forms of cost-of-living support.
For cost-of-living support or to learn more about the Household Support Fund, visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/costofliving
The Council are also running advice sessions across the district to help people find out if they qualify for Pension Credit Support and other benefits. Find out more at https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support/pension-credit-advice/