Government gives Kirklees Council £7.4million of cost of living support for district's residents as winter approaches

Kirklees Council has received £7,405,647 as part of the Government’s Household Support Fund’s fourth round of funding. This brings the total funding available to residents through the fund in Kirklees to £18,514,116.

Councils in England can use the cash to help those most in need by drawing from local knowledge and directly reaching people in the community. Support is available to help with covering the costs of essentials like groceries, toiletries, warm clothes and energy bills.

Residents can also apply for support on the council’s website in the form of grants to help with the cost of food, energy and essentials.

Last week saw the Government launch Household Support Fund Awareness Week, which was welcomed by Coun Gregg. This encouraged vulnerable families across the district to get in touch with the council and check what support is available.

Coun Gregg said: “I know families across Kirklees are feeling cost of living pressures due to higher inflation caused by sharp increases in oil and gas prices due to the war in Ukraine.

"We want to let people know about the support the Conservative Government is providing, such as over £18.5million that has been available to Kirklees Council through the Household Support Fund since October 2021.

“Having referred several families to the scheme, I know this money has already made a massive difference to local people.

"I encourage anyone who is worried about their own finances to contact Kirklees Council’s local welfare provision team to find out what support they may be eligible to receive.

“Looking forward I am pleased the Conservative Government is taking the long-term decisions to halve inflation for a brighter economic future and will continue to provide support to those who need it in the meantime.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said: “The best way we can protect family finances is by driving down inflation, but as it reduces, we recognise that cost of living pressures remain for some of the most vulnerable households.

“Our record £842million cash injection to the Household Support Fund in England this year means that people most in need will be able to get extra support locally to cover the essentials.

“And alongside this unprecedented cost of living support, we’re taking the long-term decisions to reform the welfare system to help thousands more people benefit from the income boost provided by employment.”

For more information about the Household Support Fund, visit https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/benefits/household-support-fund.aspx