READING Borough Council has announced that residents who may be struggling with finances may be eligible for extra cost of living support.
Low income households can now apply for the Household Support Fund, which is aimed at stopping those struggling with finances from falling into crisis.
It follows thousands of residents receiving help through the scheme, including care leavers, ahead of support set to be provided to older residents next month.
Any Reading resident may apply via the Reading Borough Council website, but funding is ear-marked for those who are in receipt of low-income-related benefits, or those who have specific circumstances which result in an increased cost of living and increased expenditure.
The deadline for the first phase of applications is at the end of November, with a second phase set to be launched in December, lasting until March next year.
Successful applicants will receive an initial payment of £125, though this figure could change depending on levels of uptake of the scheme.
Reading Borough Council leader Cllr Jason Brock said: “The cost-of-living crisis is ongoing and continues to have the greatest effect on the very people who can least afford it.
“As we approach winter, costs like heating, energy and food bills can go up, and people can find themselves in financial trouble.
“The Council has designed a targeted local scheme for Reading which seeks to help residents who, for a variety of reasons, may be struggling.”
He continued: “I’d urge residents to take some time to check the Council’s website as they may be eligible for support, and to refer back to it over the coming months should their personal circumstances change.”
Councillor Liz Terry, lead councillor for Corporate Services and Resources, added: “This application element is the latest phase of a comprehensive package of support for residents who we know are struggling in the face of an ongoing cost-of-living crisis which shows no signs of slowing.
“We know there are people in our communities who will again struggle to cope with paying for heating and for food this winter.
“We also know that for very many others a small change in their personal circumstances, or an unexpected cost out of the blue, can put them in real difficulty.”
She explained that “While the Council is limited in just how many people we can support, we hope our local scheme reaches those who are experiencing financial challenges and will help provide a small element of respite for people who need the most help.”
Residents can apply via: apply4.online/Requests/QuickSchemeLink/561BU0
