Extra support for vulnerable people during winter

By Barrie Hudson - 18 November 2024

Community

A reminder has been issued to Swindon people of extra support with Winter household bills.

An extra £1.5m will be used as part of the Household Support Fund, which Swindon Borough Council says will provide vulnerable households with support for food, heating and housing over the colder months.
A spokesperson said: "A total of £81,000 was made available for residents in need via the Household Support Application Fund. 
"In many instances, it is not necessary to directly use the application fund process as recipients are either automatically identified or will access the support through specific partners.
"The council will also directly share the £1.5m made available through the Household Support Fund through projects which support vulnerable people locally. 
"This includes £460,000 which will be used to make payments to low-income pensioners just above the Pension Credit threshold, but who need additional support. A further £585,000 will be spent on food vouchers for families in need during school holidays."
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit. A successful application for Pension Credit will automatically trigger eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment, an annual tax-free grant of £200 for residents under the age of 80, or £300 if they are over 80.
Further information about the Household Support Fund can be found here, and about Pension Credit here.
 

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