Ensuring households get support through cost of living crisis

People who rely on electrical medical equipment at home are to receive help towards their energy bills.

More than 500 residents will initially benefit from the move, and ultimately around 2,000 people, for which funding of £200,000 has been identified by the local authority using money from the Household Support Fund.

The council is also to provide food vouchers during the Christmas, half-term and Easter holidays to children who receive free school meals, at a cost of £650,000.

Other allocations of the grant monies include:

• Vouchers to people of working age on Council Tax Support and income-related Employment Support Allowance but not on Universal Credit

• Vouchers to support energy costs for care leavers up to the age of 25 and to support foster carers

• Targeted help for households identified by the council and its partners

• Support to community groups including foodbanks for targeted provision in their locality

The latest information on local and national support available to residents in the borough is available at www.bury.gov.uk/hardshiphelp which has sections on energy bill support, dealing with money worries and guidance on avoiding scams. Residents can also access cost of living support by calling 0161 253 5400.

Councillor Richard Gold, cabinet member for finance and communities, said: “We are continuing to support our residents through these hard times, in particular those who may be experiencing particular hardship.

“As such we’ve ensured that we’ve targeted the Household Support Fund to make the best use of limited funds available. Working with our partners, we are delivering on our Cost of Living and Anti-Poverty Strategy which demonstrates our commitment to supporting local residents with immediate support while seeking to increase resilience in our communities.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 9 December 2022.