More than £285,000 has been awarded to a community debt advice service that helps some of Leeds’ most vulnerable residents manage financial hardship and rising living costs.
Leeds City Council has allocated £285,000 to Burmantofts Community Projects to continue delivering its Money Buddies service, which is expected to support around 1,800 people in east Leeds.
The funding, provided through the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund, will help residents access debt advice, welfare benefits support, money guidance, energy advice and income maximisation services.
Council documents said the funding responds to the continued need for support among low-income households facing financial hardship caused by unexpected expenses, reduced income, and increasing housing and energy costs.
The report added that the service would provide joined-up advice across multiple areas, helping residents resolve benefit issues, manage debt and access face-to-face support from trusted local advisers.
It said the scheme would target households most affected by deprivation and financial insecurity, supporting the council’s wider ambitions to reduce poverty and inequality across the city.
According to the council, the funding will also improve access to support for people who face barriers to mainstream advice services, ensuring vulnerable residents can receive practical help with financial problems before they escalate.
