Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council announce cost of living crisis fund

Hampshire residents facing financial difficulties during the current cost of living crisis might be eligible to receive grants under a new £1m support scheme.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s new cost of living assistance fund is now open for applications and it will help households in the borough struggling to pay bills.

Grants are being awarded on a first come, first served basis, so the council is unsure how long the fund will be available.

Deputy leader of Basingstoke and Deane, John Izett (Con, Evingar) said: “We are committed to doing something to help the households in our borough that are hardest hit by the escalating national cost of living crisis.

“Our careful management of council finances, means that we have been able to find money in our budget to offer this extra support, above and beyond what the Government is already providing.

"These grants will give real help to pay food and energy bills and are targeted at those on the lowest household incomes in the borough.

“We hope this will offer some support and respite for those struggling to make ends meet and take away some of the worry of paying the bills."

Under the new scheme, grants of up to £1,000 will be made available to those on a household income between £0 and £15,000, up to £500 to those between £15,001 and £20,000, and up to £200 to those between £20,001 and £25,000.

To apply for the grant, visit https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/costofliving or call (01256) 844844.

A maximum of 25 per cent of the grant can be used to buy food, with payments made through vouchers or a Post Office payout code which allows cash to be withdrawn at a Post Office branch.

The remaining funding is allocated for support with rising energy costs.

These payments can be made directly to the supplier or paid through a Post Office payout code.