Over £5m in funding announced for struggling Wiltshire households
Wiltshire council have announced that a new round of funding is set to be given to households struggling to keep up with the soaring costs of living.
The local authority, who announced the new round of funding last week, have claimed £5.4m will be provided by the Department for Work and Pensions from round four of the Household Support Fund.
Cabinet member for public health, Ian Blair-Pilling said: ‘This funding is to support households that are struggling the most with food and energy bills.
‘Support will be provided through food parcels, energy vouchers, supermarket vouchers, household items and meals.
‘To deliver this support the council and a third sector organisations will work to get help where it’s needed, as quickly as possible.’
The government announced the Household Support Fund to help local authorities assist residents in need of extra financial help in April 2023, and claimed it would run until 31st March 2024.
However, with funds designed to help deliver people food parcels, concerns have been cast hat this may not be successful as new research from the Trussell Trust has shown that a food bank in Wales has run out of food as demand spikes amidst the cost-of-living crisis.
In addition, a charity known as BanktheFood have claimed they fear food banks in England could also run out of supplies as they have launched a fresh appeal for people to donate goods via its digital app.
In order to distribute the funding, Wiltshire Council will be working with local organisations.
Fiona Oliver, Wiltshire Community Foundation joint chief executive, said: ‘We know these funds will make a real difference and enable them to continue their vital work at a time when they are needed most.’
All of the details of how to apply for the grants will be available on the foundation’s website where made available at the beginning of this month.
Image: Ritchie Valens