Help for those struggling with cost of living extended until September

Wiltshire Council has confirmed that it will continue to partner with several local organisations and internal departments to distribute the £2.7 million Household Support Fund 4 from the Government.

The Household Support Fund is provided by the Government to support low-income households that would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs during the current cost-of-living challenges. 

This includes families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people. Wiltshire Council has also identified that support is required for the homeless/rough sleepers, Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Boater Community.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said, “The extension of the Household Support Fund for Wiltshire residents is most welcome. The funding will enable us to continue to deliver this support those most in need until September. Wiltshire Council and third sector organisations will work together to support households that are struggling the most with food and energy bills. The support will be provided through food parcels, energy vouchers, supermarket vouchers, household items and meals.”

Whilst immediate needs will be prioritised, councils are encouraged to use the fund to provide support that has a long-term sustainable impact, for example for the purchase of household items which will reduce bills in the long-term, beyond September 2024. Examples of sustainable support may include kitchen appliances, efficient heating systems, courses or advice to provide support in the longer term.  

Fiona Oliver, Wiltshire Community Foundation Joint Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased to continue our work with Wiltshire Council to distribute the Household Support Fund 2024 grants to charity and community groups working with those most in need across Wiltshire. 

“This fund will enable these groups to continue their work while it is still very much needed. For information about our grants and eligibility criteria visit our website www.wiltshirecf.org.uk.” 

Jonathan Twomey, Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) said; “At CSE our mission is to end the suffering caused by cold homes. Through our dedicated advice line and direct support services, we understand the hardships faced by many people across the region. That’s why we’re pleased to deliver the Household Support Fund grants through our ‘Warm and Safe Wiltshire’ initiative.

“Warm and Safe Wiltshire can now provide eligible residents with evouchers for essential needs like food and energy costs, as well as energy efficiency upgrades like replacement boilers or storage heaters.”  

Information about the Household Support Fund 2024 will be available at Household Support Fund – Wiltshire Council

Wiltshire Council also provides cost-of-living advice and support, which can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living.