HELP is on hand for low-income Warwickshire households who are struggling with utility bills.
Warwickshire County Council’s Local Welfare Scheme is offering a one-off payment to families and households finding it difficult to pay gas and electricity bills.
The support, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund, supplements ongoing emergency support from the Local Welfare Scheme for residents in financial crisis.
Families and households in Warwickshire can apply whether they use pre-payment meters, pay by direct debit or on receipt of an energy bill.
This is the second round of fuel support from the council, following a promotion in November 2021 where over 10,000 vouchers were issued to people in need.
Coun Heather Timms, Warwickshire County Council’s spokeswoman for Environment, Climate and Culture, said: “This is a time of increased strain for many people and the financial consequences of the pandemic and news of rising household energy bills will leave many residents feeling worried about how they will make ends meet.
“We are pleased to again offer vouchers towards fuel bills to low-income families and those who can demonstrate need. Over 10,000 fuel vouchers were issued last time and February’s allocation, coinciding with half term, will extend this offer to many again.
“I’d like to remind people in crisis to contact the Local Welfare Scheme which offers support to those with no other means of help either directly, or through extensive links with a range of support services in the county. I strongly encourage people to look online and get in touch, either for themselves or on behalf of someone else, to find out what help there is.”
A resident who received support last December told the council how the Household Support Fund had helped them: “2020 and 2021 have been tough. Throughout the year I have struggled and the vouchers you have sent have been a blessing. It means a lot.”
Anyone entitled to benefits or free school meals will automatically receive this support. Applications are welcome from others in financial difficulty.
Applications for the payment, in the form of a voucher, must be made by March 10. Call 0800 408 1448 or 01926 359182 to speak to an advisor in confidence.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/localwelfarescheme for more information about the Local Welfare Scheme. Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/facinghardship for more information about financial support.
