Council recognises support offered to eligible residents during Household Support Fund Awareness Week
17 October 2023
Cheshire East Council are recognising the many eligible residents that have been supported through the cost-of-living crisis, during Household Support Fund Awareness Week.
Household Support Fund Awareness Week takes place from 16-22 October, and highlights the impact of local government support following significant investment from central government, to help low income households who would otherwise struggle to meet rising costs.
The Household Support Fund, managed by the Department for Work and Pensions, will run until 31 March 2024, with Cheshire East Council allocated £4.4m to help residents in the borough.
Through the scheme financial help can take the form of supermarket vouchers, cash for energy vouchers, help with boiler repair or replacements, and help with housing costs for those in rented accommodation.
You can get help from the Household Support Fund if you are vulnerable, or cannot pay for essential items, and you do not have to be already receiving benefits in order to obtain financial assistance from the fund. This covers children, families, adults and pensioners who fit a specific criteria, and full eligibility details can be found on the Cheshire East website.
Since October 2022, with the help of schools, colleges, early years settings and other family support services, Cheshire East Council have provided the following support:
- Over 85,000 vouchers in total have been provided to support the most vulnerable households across the county
- Over 75,000 food vouchers have been provided
- Over 3,000 utilities vouchers have been provided
- Over 3100 people were supported through the enquiry form
Councillo
r Carol Bulman, lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council said: “The impact of Covid, rising inflation and the increased cost of living has hit our families hard.
“It is a fact that some of our families are struggling to put food on the table.
“The Household Support Fund has been a lifeline for families in Cheshire East who are most in need, and we’re pleased to have been able to use this fund to help people of all ages who need assistance.
“This week we’re taking the opportunity to recognise the impact this additional funding has had, and the great work of our teams at the council and partners who have helped to reach out to eligible families, and ensure they receive financial help when they need it most.
“I’d also urge any of our residents who are struggling to afford the basics, to reach out to us at the council. Help is always at hand, and there are many schemes on offer that can provide guidance or crucial support to the most vulnerable.”
If you are struggling financially you can reach out to any trusted practitioner such as a health provider, education setting, charity or faith sector service. They can then complete the enquiry form for you and ensure you are signposted to any other support you may benefit from.
For emergency assistance, the emergency duty team can be contacted on 0300 123 5022.
You can also find out more on our cost of living webpage.