Council opens applications to Household Support Fund

As living costs continue to soar, West Berkshire Council is continuing to assist the local community through its Household Support Fund until spring 2025. 

The funding aims to support households who would otherwise struggle to meet essential housing costs including energy and water bills, food, and wider essentials.

Collaborating with local voluntary sector partners, including Greenham Trust, we have been allocated nearly £695,000 from central Government. The funding will be distributed between October 2024 to 31 March 2025. 

Key measures include:

• £255,000 main fund: Application process to prioritise households who did not receive funding in the previous funding round based on the following criteria: only one grant per household per funding period. The maximum claim is per £300 per family and £150 per individual.
• £40,000 for food and energy support: channeled through local charities to alleviate food and energy expenses. These requests are generally for £30 or under.
• £40,000 for appliances and furniture: providing essential items for residents in need such as white goods, cookers, beds, furniture, and more. Newbury Community Resource Centre will continue support this scheme.
• £10,000 emergency accommodation support: ensuring access is available to hot meals and / or food suitable for heating for those in emergency accommodation.
• £20,000 for discretionary assistance: supporting those moving into accommodation without essentials such as carpets and curtains.
• £189,000 for free school meals: vouchers for 4,200 young children.
• £45,000 for struggling pensioners: working with charities, assistance for pensioners towards hot meals, energy costs, and essential repairs. Priority access will be provided to those households who are no longer eligible for winter fuel payments.
• £30,000 for young carers and those leaving care: direct support for the estimated 200 young carers for clothing, cooking courses, and energy vouchers.

We have a close and effective working relationship with the voluntary sector, including a match-funded allocation pot accessible via Greenham Trust to support local charitable providers, who can apply here. 

Councillor Denise Gaines, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Housing at West Berkshire Council, said:

"This can be a difficult time of year for many people as utility bills rise, and this can put pressure on other household spending too. We recognise this, and it's why we are pleased to be able to continue to provide this fund so that people know there is help for them this winter if they need it. 

"In offering this help, we are pleased to be working with other local organisations. Their knowledge and expertise will help us to spend the money more effectively - helping it go further while at the same time providing help without delay to those people who need it."

The Council continues to provide direct support through the Household Support Fund, and additional advice can be found on the Cost of Living page. West Berkshire Council and local charities remain dedicated to helping residents navigate these challenging times.