North Somerset Council is taking steps to support vulnerable households in the region by providing £2,305,042.89 from the government’s Household Support Funding. The funding is aimed at aiding families, pensioners, and children eligible for free school meals, as well as those who are ‘just managing’, and third-party organizations such as the Fuel Bank, Handy Person Service, Citizens Advice Bureau, and the Salvation Army.
The financial support will help cover increasing energy and water costs, food, essential services, clothing, white goods, transport, and housing costs in case of emergencies. As part of the initiative, the council will distribute £50 food vouchers to eligible residents in June 2025 and January 2026.
Additionally, each child receiving Free School Meals will be given a £100 food voucher, benefiting approximately 5,200 young individuals. The council is also establishing a Council Tax Reduction Hardship fund of £100,000 to support households affected by the transition from a Council Tax Support scheme to a Council Tax Reduction scheme.
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An amount of £140,000 has been allocated to various services and organizations, including the Handy Person Service, Salvation Army, Fuel Bank, Citizen Advice Bureau Fuel Support, and an extension of the FirstSteps Scheme via CAB.
For those not falling into the identified vulnerable categories, a sum of £220,000 is allocated, and applications can be made through the North Somerset Website. Additionally, a provision of £70,000 is available to provide sustainable items such as white goods and bedding to residents in need.
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, deputy leader of North Somerset Council, emphasized the council’s commitment to supporting residents facing financial difficulties and encouraged those in need to reach out for assistance.
Residents can find more information and apply for support through the Welfare Provision Scheme on the North Somerset website, and can also seek guidance on coping with the cost-of-living crisis and access valuable resources.