FINANCIAL support is once again available for low-income households in Reading who may be struggling to pay for everyday essentials.
Reading Borough Council has announced that applications are open for the new iteration of its Household Support Fund.
It comes after Reading Council received a grant of just under £2 million from Government and has designed a local HSF scheme to ensure the money reaches residents who need it most.
This includes residents who may have difficulty paying for things like rising energy and water bills, food shopping, the high cost of housing or essentials, like clothing.
During the application phaes, households in receipt of means tested benefits, or other related state benefits (such as a Personal Independence Payment), are automatically assumed to have a low income.
A £100 payment will be provided to households who fall into a number of categories.
Residents who do not receive income-based or state benefits, but who nevertheless are also facing cost-of-living challenges, will be eligible for a basic assessment of household income, essential outgoings and savings as part of their application.
The Council will then determine if support can be provided.
Ahead of the summer holidays, and again before Christmas, a voucher worth £125 will be sent to Reading households who have children who are directly eligible for Pupil Premium Free School Meals, and to Reading care leavers.
The council will additionally provide support to low-income pensioner households who are not eligible to receive the Winter Fuel Allowance.
The council already holds details of all eligible households, so there is no need to contact the Council directly to access these vouchers.
Councillor Liz Terry, Reading Council Leader, said: “While the cost of things like energy, water and food bills may not be rising as fast as they once were, they are still rising, and that presents an on-going challenge for some households in Reading.
“We know there are still many residents in our communities who struggle to pay for the everyday essential items which most of us would take for granted.
“Cost-of-living vouchers will once again be distributed to low-income households before the summer holidays, and again before the Christmas period.
“In the meantime, I would urge residents to go to the council website and check if they may be eligible for support during the application phase.”
More information, including about how to apply for financial support, is available via reading.gov.uk/HSF
Residents who require additional advice or help can go to reading.gov.uk/money-matters
