The recent news that inflation has risen slightly again is unwelcome, although possibly not entirely unexpected given the recent jump in electricity and gas prices.
We are of course just starting a spell of colder weather when we all become much more conscious about the cost of heating our homes. Added to usual increases in spending with Christmas around the corner, it’s doesn’t feel like the most wonderful time of the year, for household budgets at least. And while for many of us the increased costs can be negated with some belt tightening in January, there are also many for who face genuinely tough choices about where to spend limited income.
It is against that backdrop that this week the Council has begun the distribution of more than 5,000 costs-of-living vouchers to households across Reading who fall into that category.
Recipients are nearly 4,000 households in Reading where a child is automatically eligible for Pupil Premium Free School Meals, who will get a £125 voucher, along with 260 care leavers. In addition,1,100 pensioner households no longer eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, and in receipt of support from the Council Tax Reduction scheme and / or Housing Benefit, are being sent a £200 voucher.
The Council already holds details of all eligible households, so there is no need to contact us to claim your voucher. Residents in receipt of a voucher have until the end of January to cash it in at a local post office.
The funding for the voucher scheme comes from this year’s Household Support Fund, extended by the new Government to cover this winter. Every Council is allocated a sum of money which they then use to design a local scheme which will reach the residents in their who require the most support. This explains why local schemes can look a little different to others, depending on where you live.
In addition to the cost-of-living vouchers being sent directly to households, in Reading the Council is also making full use of its incredible voluntary sector. Through our Public Health team, we are directing £95,000 of support to local organisations out on the ground in our communities, to help support residents who may need help.
Reading’s local scheme also recognises that individual circumstances can mean that low-income households require additional support. Regardless of whether you are an existing beneficiary of a cost-of-living vouchers, residents can apply to receive a £125 voucher. You can do that online at https://www.reading.gov.uk/housing/money-matters/household-support-fund/ and an individual assessment on eligibility will be made. There is currently a two-week wait for applications to be processed.
The festive period is something most of us look forward to, but it can also be an extremely stressful time of year for household finances. Don’t forget, there is also a huge amount of information on the support available to residents on the Council’s money matters website at https://www.reading.gov.uk/housing/money-matters/
Liz Terry is the leader of Reading Borough Council
