UK households will get free £300 for cost of living but ‘can only claim it once’

UK households can get a free £300 towards the Cost of Living crisis. As living costs continue to soar, West Berkshire Council are continuing to assist the local community through the Household Support Fund until autumn 2024.

The funding aims to support households who would otherwise struggle to meet essential housing costs to help them with living costs, the council states. The local authority has been allocated nearly £695,000 from national Government and has allocated funds to address various needs.

The council will launch a £253,000 main fund and the application process based on the following criteria: only one grant per household per funding period, claim per family – £300, claim per individual – £150. It will also roll out £15,000 for food and energy support, £20,000 for appliances and furniture and £10,000 emergency accommodation support.

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£30,000 for discretionary assistance, £252,000 for free school meals:, £20,000 for struggling pensioners and £30,000 for young carers and those leaving care has also been announced by the council.

Councillor Denise Gaines, Executive Member for Housing at West Berkshire Council, said: “The Council is committed in supporting residents in times of need and the Household Support Fund continues to help vulnerable households with significant rising living costs.

“After carefully reviewing the challenges our communities face and considering the impact on residents and the organisations supporting them, we’re implementing measures to ensure quicker access to direct support when it’s most needed.

“We strongly encourage residents not to suffer in silence but to reach out for assistance if they need it. The Council, alongside numerous supporting organisations, stands ready to provide aid and support.” Rob Daniels, Head of Grants at Greenham Trust, said: “Sadly, the pressures of the rising cost of living, and poverty in general, are not going away anytime soon. However, our joint cost-of-living fund with West Berkshire Council is providing vital support to frontline charities and organisations doing amazing work every day to support people in our community.

“We feel it’s important to continue this funding programme having seen the huge difference it continues to make. We look forward to working on future joint initiatives to support those most in need.”