Families on the brink are set to receive a lifeline in the form of £80 cost of living payments from next month, courtesy of the Government’s Household Support Fund scheme. This initiative empowers local councils with funds to assist those facing hardship in their communities, with aid typically taking the form of cash payments, supermarket vouchers, or help with essential bills.
Cornwall Council is set to distribute £80 payments to various households starting in June. As per the council’s website, these payments will commence on June 3 and continue until the end of the month.
The payments will be made automatically, eliminating the need for application.
Households claiming Pension Credit and those with children receiving Council Tax support will be eligible for an £80 payment. Cornwall Council has clarified that each child residing in the property will warrant an £80 payment, meaning a household with three children could receive £240.
Those not currently claiming Council Tax support have until May 31 to submit their claim to qualify for the cost of living payment, reports the Mirror.
Additionally, families with children living in temporary accommodation will also be granted an £80 payment per child. Adults assessed as requiring domiciliary care and receiving a financial contribution towards the cost of care from Cornwall Council will also be entitled to an £80 payment.
Cornwall Council has been bolstered with an additional £4.5million for the latest extension of the Household Support Fund, which is set to run from April to September 2024. This financial boost will enable the council to continue its support for those hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis, including £80 payments and other varied amounts aimed at assisting low-income households struggling to afford essentials.
For those in need of aid from the fund, applications must be made through specific organisations.
- Age UK and the Isles of Scilly
- Community Energy Plus
- Citizens Advice Cornwall
- DisAbility Cornwall & IoS
- Cornwall Carers Service
Councillor Dr Andy Virr, portfolio holder for adults and public health, commented: “The cost-of-living crisis continues to have a huge impact on many families across Cornwall so it is good to see we have again secured this significant funding to help as many as possible. I hope it will go some way to ensure pensioners and parents in particular can pay their bills and put food on the table for their families.”
Residents outside of Cornwall are advised that they cannot claim this specific assistance, but should expect similar support from their own local councils.
As authorities begin to roll out their respective support measures up until the scheme’s conclusion in September 2024, residents are encouraged to visit their local council’s website for detailed information, often found under a dedicated cost of living section.
