Thousands of households are urged to apply for a cost of living support grant of up to £500 before applications close at the end of the month. Residents on low incomes in Brent could be eligible for the scheme, which was devised to help them pay for energy, water, food, and other essential items.
In June, the government made an additional £2.7m in cost-of-living support available to Brent residents facing financial hardship, through the Household Support Fund. This pot of money is provided to councils to support people on low incomes who are struggling to make ends meet.
Brent Council has allocated the funds to target those most in need. It lists eligible households as: those in receipt of the Resident Support Fund; low-income families; disabled households; those in debt; and care leavers. It is designed to help with energy, water, broadband and phone bills, and other essentials such as food, clothing and hygiene products.
Cabinet Member for Resident Support and Culture, Cllr Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, said: “With prices still much higher than a few years ago, I know the cost-of-living crisis remains a daily struggle for many families in Brent. I want to reassure anyone feeling the strain that help is available. Our most vulnerable residents, including care leavers and disabled households will soon receive vouchers to help with food and household costs”
She added: “If you need help with everyday essentials or are facing short-term financial problems due to an emergency, please apply for help through the Resident Support Fund. Since first opening during the Covid-19 pandemic, it has provided £29.1 million in support to more than 30,000 residents and it has just been topped up to help more families in need.”
Applications for the money are open until the end of August and only one application can be made per household, the council says on its website. People who are successfully entitled will receive their payment within 20 days of making the application. Residents can click here to apply. Those who don’t have access to the internet and wish to make a claim can call the council.
However, some households will receive an automatic payment without the need to apply, including:
- Those low income working households and unpaid carers who previously applied between April 2023 and March 2024 and received a Household Support Fund payment
- Those who meet eligibility criteria and are currently receiving council tax support.
