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Any North Somerset resident experiencing financial hardship and unable to meet immediate short-term needs can apply. Applications, however, must be made online (https://forms.n-somerset.gov.uk/report-request/form/householdsupportfund#/1) before Wednesday 15 March.
The Council issued over 31,500 food vouchers this last financial year to eligible households across North Somerset via the Fund. This included working age residents claiming council tax support, all pensionable age residents claiming council tax support and for each child receiving free school meals.
Anyone who received a voucher can still apply for one top-up.
Although this round of Household Support Fund is closing next week, North Somerset Council will shortly be receiving a further £2.6m for 2023/24. Further details on how this additional funding will benefit North Somerset residents will be announced shortly.
Cllr Mike Bell, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council said: “We’ve administered almost £4m in financial support over the last year via the Household Support Fund and supported thousands of residents during the ongoing cost of living crisis. We’ve also supplied grants to a local fuel bank, the Salvation Army and the Handyman Service to help in these challenging times and provided an additional £150K to support those financially vulnerable who weren’t eligible to claim council tax support. Help is still available via the Fund with eligible households able to claim one top-up voucher, but please get in touch before next Wednesday.
“We’re also continuing to support residents through the Welfare Provision Scheme which supports any North Somerset resident unable to meet their short-term needs. We will continue to support our residents as the cost of living crisis continues.”
Although applications for this year’s round of Household Support Funds will be closing next week, the Welfare Provision Scheme – a separate North Somerset Council scheme – will continue. This is available to support anyone unable to meet their short-term needs in a crisis or where they need help to maintain their independence in the community.
The amount of help via the Welfare Provision Scheme will depend on individual circumstances. Find out more at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/wps. Applications to the Welfare Provision Scheme can be made by phone on 01934 888 035 or 0800 138 5665 (10am to 4pm Monday to Friday).
For a round-up of local advice and guidance about the cost-of-living crisis including help with bills, childcare costs, food support, housing, energy and heating and lots more, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/col.
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