Cash for energy, food and clothing available through West Berkshire Council household support funds

West Berkshire Council is to hand out a further £694k in household support funds (HSF) from the government.

The cash, from the Department for Work and Pensions, is available until March next year.

To date, the HSF has successfully helped support more than 2,400 households to pay for energy bills, food, clothing and wider essentials.

The funding has also supported more than 4,000 children across the district by providing free school meal vouchers.

The council says the funding is limited and the remainder, after delivery of school meal vouchers, will be made available by an application process to assist vulnerable residents, pensioners and children across West Berkshire who are not eligible for other kinds of help or need further support.

Lynne Doherty (Con, Speen), leader of West Berkshire Council, said: “It is important that our ongoing efforts to support residents this winter continues with this additional round of funding available to support our most vulnerable households in West Berkshire.

“I am very pleased that the HSF has been extended as our role is pivotal to support those households and children locally that need it.

“Since the pandemic started, we have paid out £1.4 million to residents who are facing financial hardship including £200,000 distributed to local charities last week to support those of pensionable age, the cost of living support hub and a £100,000 emergency support fund.

“I would encourage residents who meet the HSF criteria to submit their applications early to ensure you don’t lose out on receiving this funding.”

The Household Support Fund can be accessed online here – https://www.westberks.gov.uk/householdsupportfund

The council added that the funding is limited and demand is high.