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The council’s Household Support Fund will be topped up by an additional £1.3m bringing the total support over the past year to almost £4m.
This further financial support will lead to all working age residents and pensioners who claim council tax support receiving a £60 food voucher automatically in November. This will apply to over 12,400 people in the North Somerset area with an estimated cost of £745K.
Food vouchers of £60 will also be paid in one instalment in January for care leavers and each child receiving free school meals. This will apply to over 4,800 individuals at an approximate cost of £292K.
Grants totalling £60K are also being paid to the Fuel Bank, Salvation Army and the Handyman Service in order for them to support people in need.
Finally, over £150K is available to support anyone who is financially vulnerable but do not meet one of the categories above. This support is available through an application process at the Welfare Provision Scheme and the amount of help that can be given will depend on individual circumstances. The new application process is opening via the North Somerset Council website in November and support will award on a first come first served basis.
Cllr Ash Cartman, North Somerset Council's executive member for corporate services said: "Rocketing energy and food bills have left many facing tough financial choices. This extra funding will provide additional support for residents at this challenging time. Everyone is feeling the financial pinch at the moment, we really are all in this together, and we urge everyone to get help and support if they are struggling.”
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, the council's executive member for children’s services added: "No child should go hungry. This additional £60 for each child who receives free school meals will help prevent a child feeling hungry this winter. If other families are struggling and are unsure if they're entitled to support, they can apply for free school meals online at www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals.”
This financial help is on top of other measures put in place by North Somerset Council to help support residents. These include setting up a Cost-of-Living taskforce to respond to the crisis locally in partnership with key organisations, enabling a network of public living rooms for residents to stay warm this winter, hosting a dedicated Facebook Live event focused on Cost-of-Living and ensuring advice and guidance is easily available on the council’s website and social media channels.
Residents needing additional short-term support through the welfare provision scheme can find more information on the council's website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/wps. Applications can be made by phone on 01934 888 035 or 0800 138 5665 (10am to 4pm Monday to Friday).
For Cost of Living help and support, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk or follow #NorthSomersetTogether on social media.