Thousands of households across North Yorkshire will be able to access vital support to help them to cope with the rising cost of living over the winter months.
More than £600,000 is to be allocated to several schemes across the county as part of the sixth phase of the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF).
The funding will be used to bolster local foodbanks, help people to stay warm and well in their homes and support those struggling to pay for bills or utilities.
Eligible families will also again be able to claim supermarket vouchers to help pay for food and other essentials. Further details about the HSF direct award scheme, including eligibility and voucher amounts, is due to be released in January 2025.
More than 20,000 eligible residents received a direct award in the form of a voucher in the fifth phase earlier this year.
Tens of thousands of households in North Yorkshire have already benefitted from the first five rounds of the fund.
Executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, said: “Communities are continuing to face significant financial challenges here in North Yorkshire and elsewhere across the country with high energy and food bills.
“It is crucial that people who are struggling financially continue to receive the support they need. The Household Support Fund continues to be an invaluable lifeline and we are pleased that the Government are committed to continuing the scheme into 2025/26.
“By working closely with our partners, volunteers and the Government, we are committed to continue prioritising the most vulnerable in our communities and ensure they know about the support that is available.”
More than four in five people (86 per cent) surveyed for a recent report by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) highlighted cost of living as one of the most important issues facing the UK.
A Selby-based charity, Up for Yorkshire, provides a wide range of support for residents on issues including cost of living, mental health and community transport.
Its members have seen a surge in demand in recent years – from receiving 12,000 enquiries from the community in 2020 to more than 40,000 this year.
The chief executive of Up for Yorkshire, Chris Hailey-Norris, said: “We have seen a staggering increase in demand since Covid-19 but that’s something we welcome – because it means more people are reaching out and seeking help.
“We are here to ultimately get people to talk. We can’t support those who don’t talk to us, and it’s so important that people know what help is available.”
To support those struggling to pay for food as well as reduce waste, Up for Yorkshire runs a community fridge each week where residents can take home quality, fresh produce that has been donated by local supermarkets, businesses and residents.
Chris added: “Our community fridge has been running for a number of years and it helps hundreds of people a week – it’s simply a case of coming along and seeing the range of free wonderful food that is available for you to take.
“People are often gobsmacked that this support is available. Sometimes there can be a stigma of coming to the fridge or asking for help, but that’s not the case. We’re delighted when people come, and it is humbling to see the relief on their faces.
“It’s a team effort and that’s the beauty of North Yorkshire – we’re all in it together. We’re a proud county all about honesty and openness, and it’s our pleasure to help so many people who are worried and need our support.”
From today (Monday, 18 November), we are launching a new campaign aimed at promoting the wide range of support available for people concerned about the cost of living.
The campaign aims to make sure residents know about the range of schemes and organisations available if they are struggling. This includes information about emergency financial support, benefits, energy bills, food and managing debt as well as pension credit.
Cllr Phillips added: “People who qualify for pension credit can also get other benefits such as a winter fuel payment, help to pay for NHS dental treatment and a free TV licence if they are over the age of 75.
“We know that not everyone who qualifies for pension credit is claiming it and that some people are missing out, so I would urge anyone of pension age or people with a family member or friend they think might benefit from pension credit to make them aware.”
Anyone who qualifies for pension credit will be eligible for a fuel payment this winter, but new applications must be made to the Department for Work and Pensions by Thursday, 21 December. See more information on the GOV.UK website, or call the pension service helpline on 0800 99 1234.
Organisations such as Age UK, Independent Age and North Yorkshire Citizen’s Advice and Law Centre can offer support to people who need help understanding the eligibility criteria or application process.
Visit our cost of living pages to find out more about the schemes available to help families with children, free adult learning courses and local community-based support including Warm Welcome spaces as well as advice on staying safe and well.
People can also go into any North Yorkshire library or our offices to find out more about the support that is available.