Household support package for residents

Published: 22 October 2024

Working in collaboration with local voluntary sector partners, including the Greenham Trust, West Berkshire Council (WBC) has been allocated nearly £695,000 by the government, to be distributed between October 2024 and 31 March 2025.

The funding aims to support households which would otherwise struggle to meet essential housing costs, such as energy, water, food and other essentials, and key measures include:

· £255,000 main fund: there may be only one grant per household per funding period, and the maximum claim is £300 per family or £150 per individual. Priority will be given to households which did not receive funding in the last funding period

· £40,000 for food and energy support: requests are generally for £30 or less, and grants will be channelled through local charities

· £40,000 for appliances and furniture: providing essential items, such as white goods, cookers, beds, for residents in need. Newbury Community Resource Centre will continue to support this scheme

· £10,000 emergency accommodation support: ensuring those in emergency accommodation have access to hot meals and/or food suitable for heating

· £20,000 for discretionary assistance: for those moving into accommodation without essentials such as carpets and curtains

· £189,000 for free school meals: vouchers for 4,200 children

· £45,000 for struggling pensioners: assistance towards hot meals, energy costs, essential repairs. Priority will be given to those who are no longer eligible for winter fuel payments

· £30,000 for young carers and those leaving care: direct support for around 200 young carers who would benefit from cooking courses, energy vouchers and clothing

Further information about the Household Support Fund and how to apply may be found on WBC’s web site.