Support fund opens to help Leicester residents on low incomes

Leicester City Council has been given £3.4m from the Department for Work & Pensions to set up a Household Support Fund, which will help vulnerable people pay their bills this winter.

Residents are now able to apply through the Council’s website for help with fuel, food and water bills.

Social workers, healthcare staff and housing advisors will be able to refer people to the fund, with anyone on less than £356.25 per week able to apply, regardless of whether they are on benefits.

It is estimated that around 26,000 households in Leicester will face fuel poverty this winter.

The Household Support Fund is part of a national scheme, which will see councils across the UK share out £500m of government funding.

City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: ‘Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve provided support for those who need it. We delivered food boxes at the height of the lockdown, and we have run programmes to ensure 16,000 children from low-income families don’t go hungry in the school holidays. We welcome the chance to continue offering this support, which we know can be a vital lifeline.

‘As winter approaches, we know that there will be families and individuals who are worried about paying their fuel bills and making ends meet, particularly with the recent rises in fuel prices. Using our local knowledge and the expertise that has served us so well during the pandemic, we will target support towards those who need it most, ensuring that this fund is used to help our most vulnerable residents. No-one should have to choose between heating and eating.’

At least half of the funding will go to families with children, complementing a food voucher scheme for children on free school meals.

Photo by Nirmal Rajendharkumar