READING Borough Council is sending out thousands of vouchers to households in the town to help with living costs from this week.
The council has announced that it is sending out financial support to more than 5,000 households in Reading in the form of vouchers.
It is the latest round of support aimed at helping those in need with costs in the Household Support Fund.
It follows the application phase of the scheme which took place last month, after the council was allocated more than £1.3m for the scheme in September last year.
Support of £200 each will go to 1,100 pensioner households who are no longer receiving Winter Fuel Payments and are in receipt of either Council Tax Reduction support or Housing Benefit.
Nearly 4,000 homes where a child is automatically eligible for Pupil Premium Free School Meals will be sent a £125 voucher.
Vouchers of £125 will also be sent to 260 care leavers.
The Council’s Public Health team will additionally be making use of £95,000 worth of financial support to provide additional capacity to voluntary sector organisations in Reading who help residents in need.
Councillor Liz Terry, Reading Council Leader, said: “We hope that the cost-of-living vouchers being sent to more than 5,000 Reading households this week will go some way towards easing the financial burden at what can be an expensive time of year for household budgets, with rising bills and additional costs.
“The vouchers will benefit pensioners, families and care leavers, and sits alongside additional support being provided to voluntary sector organisations in Reading who are able to reach and support residents in a variety of ways out in our communities.”
Councillor Ellie Emberson, Lead for Corporate Services and Resources, added: “Aside from the thousands of vouchers being sent to households this week, we would remind residents that they may be eligible for additional support by applying online if they are facing particular hardship this winter, and regardless of whether they receive a cost-of-ling voucher through the local Household Support Fund.
“I’d urge anyone who finds themselves in this position to visit the Council’s webpage for more information on the scheme and how to apply, or to phone the Council where they will be advised about the support available.”
More information about what kinds of support are available for residents is available via: reading.gov.uk/housing/money-matters/
