Somerset has been allocated £3.8 million from the Conservative Government to help support those in Somerset who are struggling to pay the bills this winter. The Household Support Fund will be used to ensure there is support available to those who need it until the end of March.
Proposals for how the money will be used to help Somerset households have been developed by the Community Resilience Partnership, a collaboration between Conservative-run Somerset County Council, the five District Councils, and partner organisations in various sectors.
Around £1.1 Million of this fund will be used to fund food vouchers for children who are eligible for free school meals over the Christmas, February half term, and Easter school holidays. This will also include additional funding for schools to provide vouchers to families who need support but do not qualify for free school meals.
A total of £400,000 is being used to assist individuals and families supported by Somerset County Council’s Children’s Services. £100,000 has been allocated to the Safe & Warm Somerset helpline to support those in energy poverty, and an £80,000 contribution will go to the Somerset Community Foundation Surviving Winter programme to support elderly and rural residents with heating costs.
A further £1.7m will be distributed by Somerset Citizens Advice to help households with food, utility bills, and other essentials. Applications can be made through a dedicated and secure online application portal. Visit Somerset Household Support Fund (citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk) to apply.
