Household Support Fund is Available

Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed that the Household Support Fund is available for those in most need of support.

To date the Government's Household Support Fund has supported many vulnerable residents within Cheshire West. The Fund is available to support those households in most need due to the rising cost of living, especially with energy costs, food, water bills and other essential items.

School holiday food vouchers are also provided to families of pupils in receipt of free school meals before each of the school holiday periods, up until February half term 2024.

In this latest round of funding, £2,290,047 has been allocated to the Council for the period up to 31 March 2024. The Fund is intended to support a wide range of low- income households including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people.

Cabinet Member for Finance and Legal, Councillor Carol Gahan said: "This is a challenging time for many of our residents and we are committed to making sure that this funding reaches those households who are experiencing financial hardship at this time.

"I would urge anyone in a low-income household that is struggling to make ends meet at the moment, to check whether they are eligible for additional financial support from the Household Support Fund.

"It's worth noting that you don't need to be getting benefits to receive help from the Household Support Fund and if you are receiving benefits the additional funding to help with the cost of living will not affect your benefits."

Several local organisations including Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust, Citizens Advice, Dial West Cheshire, Cheshire West Voluntary Action and the Welcome Network are working collaboratively with the Council to distribute funding.

Access further information about the Household Support Fund and apply at -
www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/household-support-fund
or telephone: 0808 175 3599 (Monday -- Friday, 9am-5pm)

More information about food provision, money advice, and mental health and wellbeing support is available on the Council's cost of living web page here -
www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/cost-of-living