The UK government is helping people in Hartlepool with the rising cost of living by providing £100 payments to support vulnerable households. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is giving money to the council to help families with food, energy bills, and other essential needs during 2023/24. This article explains how the funds will be used and who can benefit from the support.
Funding for Hartlepool Council to Help Low-Income Families
Hartlepool Council has received a total of £1.9 million this year to assist families struggling with money. The money is meant to support those who have low incomes or face financial hardship because of energy costs, food expenses, or other household essentials. Recently, the council was given an extra £1.75 million to expand this help.
Food Vouchers for Families with Children
A large part of the funding will be used to give food vouchers worth £100 to households with children aged between two and 19 years. These children were born between 2006 and 2023. The council said these vouchers are designed to help families who need money most and ensure children get the food and essentials they need.
Focus on Those Who Need It Most
According to a council report, the support fund targets people “in greatest need of financial assistance.” This means it will reach those receiving benefits and even people who are working but still have low incomes. Previous feedback showed that shopping vouchers and energy top-ups are very helpful, so the council plans to keep using them as the main form of aid.
Who Benefits from the Household Support Fund?
Most of the fund’s money is aimed at helping children and pensioners in low-income households. The council provides support mainly through food and essentials vouchers or sometimes by giving money directly to bank accounts.
Other Uses of the Fund and Additional Support
The rest of the money is used to support Hartlepool’s existing Welfare Support Fund and help local charities and community groups. The council reminds residents that this fund is just one part of the government’s overall help package for the cost of living crisis.
Residents are encouraged to check the government’s official Cost of Living hub for more information about other available support, such as income benefits, help with bills, childcare, housing, and travel costs. The council also directs people to the gov.uk website for full details on who qualifies for the DWP Cost of Living Payments.
Hartlepool’s £1.9 million fund, boosted by an additional £1.75 million, aims to reduce the financial strain on vulnerable households in 2023/24. By providing £100 food vouchers and other support, the council focuses on families with children, pensioners, and low-income workers. Alongside local help, residents can find further government support online to manage living costs better. This coordinated effort hopes to ease money worries for many households during difficult times.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the £100 food vouchers in Hartlepool?
Households with children aged 2 to 19 years (born between 2006 and 2023) who are low-income or receiving benefits can get the vouchers.
How much funding has Hartlepool Council received for cost of living support?
The council has been allocated £1.9 million for 2023/24, with an additional £1.75 million for extending the scheme.
What types of support does the Household Support Fund provide?
The fund offers food vouchers, energy bill top-ups, and sometimes direct cash payments to help families in need.
Where can I find more information about other government support for living costs?
The UK government’s Cost of Living hub at Gov.uk provides detailed information on income benefits, childcare, housing, and more.
Is the cost of living payment only for those receiving benefits?
No, it also supports working households with low incomes who face financial hardship.
Can pensioners benefit from this scheme?
Yes, pensioners in low-income households are a key group supported by the fund.
