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With the announcement this week that interest rates are increasing to 3.5 per cent, UK inflation is running at 10.7 per cent and costs are continuing to rise, many of us are struggling to make ends meet.
The Welfare Provision Scheme can give short-term financial help in a crisis. The amount of help will depend on circumstances, but is designed to help anyone unable to meet their short-term needs.
Councillor Mike Bell, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council said: “The Welfare Provision Scheme can give financial help for gas, electricity, oil and LRG fuels, minor repairs to white goods, food, clothing and travel as well as help to buy furniture, white goods and household equipment and much more. If your situation isn’t mentioned above, it’s still worth getting in touch to see if you can apply for financial help. The cost of living crisis is affecting us all so please get in touch if you need help.”
Applications for short-term financial help is available online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/wps or by phoning 01934 888035 or 0800 138 5665, 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
The amount of help that can be given will depend on your circumstances. Loans will be repayable, but grants won’t be. Check online or phone the number above to check eligibility criteria.
North Somerset Council will contact you once a decision has been made and normally make awards in goods, services or vouchers which you will then need to collect.
For a round-up of advice and guidance about the cost-of-living crisis, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/col. It includes help with bills, childcare costs, housing support, and energy and heating advice.
There are also useful links to local food banks, a cost-of-living survival kit and support to help people travel to work.
As the cold weather continues, the Energy Saving Trust also has some quick tips on ways to save energy (https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-saving-trust-outlines-steps-to-save-hundreds-on-home-energy-bills-as-costs-set-to-increase-by-50/).
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