A GRANT to help with the cost of food and bills is available for families struggling during the cost of living crisis.
The Autumn round of the Household Support Grant is open for applications from people on a low income, as well as families receiving means-tested free school meals.
Wokingham Borough residents experiencing difficulties can receive up to £240 to help them pay for fuel and essentials.
The grant is delivered by Wokingham Borough Council and its Hardship Alliance partners.
This year, awards have been increased to take account of the higher costs of food, fuel and other essentials, as well as the fact that many residents living on low incomes see a steep rise in the cost of living during the colder winter months.
The parents of children who receive means-tested free school meals in term time can apply for a grant of £20 per week for each eligible child during school holidays, an increase from £15 per child each week.
And residents struggling to pay for essentials can apply for a one-off grant of £120.
Households with higher costs can apply for a one-off £240 payment.
This is available for households that are struggling to pay for essentials and also have four or more people and/or have at least one member who is a pensioner, disabled, or a carer of a disabled adult or child.
People who have applied and been given a grant from Age UK Berkshire or Citizens Advice Wokingham between April and September 2023, can now apply again.
New applicants are also welcome.
Families that received vouchers to cover the cost of meals in the school holidays from First Days Children’s Charity since April 2023 do not need to apply again.
They will automatically receive support.
Families that miss school holidays due to late application will get a back payment up to the previous school holiday when they applied.
New applicants can apply now through the First Days website.
Amy Garstang, manager at Wokingham United Charities and chair of the Hardship Alliance, said: “Winter is a more expensive time of year for people due to needing to keep their homes warm to keep them healthy.
“Bumping payments up for the winter makes sense to ensure residents have the right amount to support them for these more expensive winter months.
“Check the Government’s Help for Households pages for advice on saving energy this winter.”
Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, executive member for equalities, inclusion and fighting poverty, said: “thousands of residents continue to grapple with higher costs for food, energy and housing than ever before.
“Money is available if you can’t afford food or to heat your home adequately.
“I’d urge anyone who is struggling to come forward and apply to get this money if they need it.
“In the process, our partners can help you access a range of support available locally to keep you safe and healthy this winter.”
The council has also created a £250,000 fund for longer term projects to tackle the root causes of poverty, and will release further information soon.
The Hardship Alliance was formed last year and is made up of a group of four local charities, Citizens Advice Wokingham, First Days Children’s Charity, Age UK Berkshire and Wokingham United Charities, working alongside Wokingham Borough Council.
The Household Support Fund is paid for by the Government.
Wokingham Borough has been given £1.05 million to help residents in 2023/24, out of a total of £842 million funding which the government has made available to help the most vulnerable across England.
For the latest cost of living help and advice for the borough, visit the WBC cost of living help hub at: www.wokingham.gov.uk
For help with the cost of children’s meals during school holidays, log onto: www.firstdays.net and search for current projects/ household support fund.
