UK Households to Receive Extra Cost of Living Support
The UK government has announced that certain households will be eligible for extra support to help with the cost of living. The Household Support Fund, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), offers assistance to people on low incomes to help with living costs such as energy and water bills, as well as food.
According to the Birmingham Mail, applications for the latest round of £200 cost-of-living payments will open in June for residents in the Midlands. The funding is issued by the government to councils, who then distribute the support to those in need. In Birmingham, the scheme is run by Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC).
To be eligible for the support, households must be residents in Birmingham and demonstrate that they are experiencing financial hardship, particularly with covering food and energy costs. Additionally, applicants must not have received a £200 grant payment in the last 12 months. The Birmingham Mail reports that BVSC previously stated that enquiries will reopen in June 2025, and those who are not currently on the waiting list will be able to submit a new enquiry once the scheme reopens.
The Household Support Fund is aimed at anyone who is vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. Gov.uk states that "funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council. If you get benefits, they will not be affected if you get a payment from a Household Support Fund scheme." The support can be used for a range of essential items, including sanitary products, clothing, soap, and blankets.
The Birmingham Mail reports that across the UK, local councils decide who can get support and how the funding is allocated on behalf of the government. The funding is designed to help those who are struggling with the cost of living, and councils are working to distribute the support to those in need.
As reported by the Birmingham Mail, households can use the cash to help with a range of living costs, including energy and water bills, as well as food. The support is not limited to those receiving benefits, and anyone who is experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for assistance. With the cost of living continuing to rise, this extra support will be a welcome relief for many households in the UK.
In related news, the Met Office has predicted a hot summer for the UK, with high temperatures expected in the coming months. This can add to the financial burden of households, particularly those struggling with energy costs. The Birmingham Mail will continue to provide updates on the cost of living and support available to households in the UK.
