Applications for the Household Support Fund, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, open at 10am on Monday 15 January until 5pm Friday 9 February 2024.

BCP Council is working closely with partners to help households most in need. Citizens Advice BCP will be giving out Household Support Fund grants on behalf of the council to provide short-term financial support to help local low-income households struggling with food and energy bills.

Councillor Millie Earl, Deputy Leader of BCP Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities said, "The effects of the cost-of-living pressures is being felt by an increasing amount of our residents, having an impact on their lives. The pressures are particularly significant during the winter months, with those already struggling financially being most affected. I would encourage eligible residents to apply for the Household Support Fund, which will help you with your bills and access to food, especially if this is the first time you are applying.”

In the BCP area, nearly 50% of households earn less than £30,000 per year and struggle to cope with the cost of fuel and food increases, and around 30% of households are classified as being fuel poor.

Citizen’s Advice BCP provides free, confidential support and advice to help residents who are struggling financially. They can help with debt advice and money management and would encourage anyone that is struggling to get in touch with them to find out more. This help is available to anyone living and working in the BCP area.

BCP Council is working with a wide range of community partners including Welcome Spaces, Ridgewater Energy and Access to Food to help residents keep warm, get energy saving advice and access community food. Residents can also access cost-of-living information online and at libraries.

Find out more: Cost of living help | BCP (bcpcouncil.gov.uk