Some £3.5 million has been allocated to support the city’s most vulnerable but where will the money go and how can you access it if you are struggling financially? The money is part of the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF).
The first thing to note is that the cash is distributed to councils and then it is up to each local authority to decided how the money is spent. So, while some councils have been reported as handing out £200 payments, Nottingham City residents won’t be in line for similar.
However, the money must be used to support those households most in need – particularly those including children and pensioners who would otherwise struggle with energy bills, food and water bills. The council has been working with community partners and welfare advice agencies to determine how to best to allocate the support.
When is comes to Nottingham City Council, in the past the Government grant has been used towards vouchers for things like energy bills, shopping and free school meals throughout the school holidays. Under the Government’s new grant criteria, a greater proportion of the funding must be allocated to pensioners.
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Funding must now be ring-fenced so that one third supports pensioners, one third for families with children and the remainder to support other vulnerable households including care leavers, refugees and households in financial crisis – which can include pensioners, single adults and families.
Cllr Adele Williams, Deputy Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s important that the funding and support reach the people who are in the greatest financial crisis. We recognise that energy or food vouchers, though much needed, are only temporary and partial relief to people. The bigger issue is helping people to find ways to manage longer term. So it is important that the conversations are held through support agencies and charities which can advise people about finances and wider support available.
“We hope this support will ease the strain on our most vulnerable households and help pensioners, families and anyone in financial crisis through these difficult times.”
The 18,000 pupils entitled to free school meals will be allocated £50 supermarket vouchers before the summer holidays begin. Free holiday activity clubs providing free food are also available this summer.
Funding will be distributed along with advice and guidance to help people tackle the financial problems they’re facing. Therefore, vouchers will be given out through Nottingham Advice Centres, Age UK Notts and other local community organisations including Nottingham City Homes and Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing.
The funding will also be used to support other vulnerable groups in the city, including extra supplies for food banks and social eating locations, care leavers, asylum seekers and refugees who are vulnerable.
By contacting community partners and welfare advice agencies, city residents will be able to access a range of support including energy vouchers and also supermarket vouchers to help with food, toiletries and essential supplies.
Agencies include, NCH Tenancy Sustainment team, Age UK Notts, Citizens Advice, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Customer Services, and Nottingham Law Centre. A full list of organisations and more information is available on the council’s webpages.
Matches and the club day had to be relocated
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