Cost of living funds handed to local charities

Just over half of the money given to West Berkshire to help with cost of living issues has been distributed.

So the council has decided to hand some of it out to local charities instead.

West Berkshire was allocated £1.4m in Household Support Fund from the government.

But only £840k has been handed out.

The Household Support Fund, funded by the Department of Work and Pensions, aims to help households in most need with food, energy vouchers or essential kitchen equipment.

Along with these, meal vouchers were also provided to eligible school children during summer holidays and funding was extended to support the Sure Start Prevent Poverty project in the district.

During the recent health and wellbeing board meeting, the executive members agreed that West Berkshire Council contribute £70,000 to it from the Household Support Fund, this could be matched by Greenham Trust to help residents.

The council has allocated extra funds to collaborate directly with charities and organisations, focusing on the elderly and the most vulnerable in our community.

This week is National Household Support Fund Week, and the council is actively encouraging applicants to apply for the fund.

Click here to find out more about the Household Support Fund.

They would particularly like to see applications from pensioners, unpaid carers, and individuals not receiving aid from central government.

Professionals and volunteers are also urged to refer anyone who might benefit from the fund.