Help for Warwickshire residents struggling to pay utility bills

Helpis available for Warwickshire residents financially struggling to pay their utility bills.

This month the Warwick County Council’s Local Welfare Scheme is distributing government funding from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund to people living in the county who are finding it difficult to meet these costs.

The Household Support Fund can provide short-term financial assistance in the form of a one-off voucher payment to meet immediate needs and help those who are struggling to afford utility bills. This will supplement ongoing emergency support from the Local Welfare Scheme for residents in financial crisis.

Families and households in Warwickshire can apply whether they use pre-payment meters, pay by direct debit or on receipt of an energy or water bill.  

Residents are invited to contact the Local Welfare Scheme team for a confidential discussion about their situation. All applications for the payment must be made by Friday March 24.

Warwickshire County Councillor Heather Timms, portfolio holder for environment, climate and culture, said: “Increased energy costs have presented real challenges for households struggling with the increased costs of living.

"This fund will offer some small relief at a crucial time and we urge residents to get in touch as soon as possible to find out more about making an application and enquire about other support that may also be available.”

Anyone entitled to benefits eligible free school meals has automatically received this support and applications are welcome from others in financial difficulty at this time.

To apply call 0800 4081448 or 01926 359182 to speak to an advisor in confidence. More information about the Local Welfare Scheme is online at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/localwelfarescheme

Anyone looking for general support to help them face daily costs of living can visit www.costoflivingwarwickshire.co.uk

The website features information and advice from a range of services throughout the county on a range of money saving and debt management solutions.