Thousands of households may qualify for £300 in energy assistance this winter, with Blackpool Council offering this support through its Household Support Fund. The fund, tailored by each local authority, provides various forms of help, such as energy aid, supermarket vouchers, and cash grants.
Eligible households in Blackpool can receive £200 in energy support for one or two people, including children, while households with three or more individuals, including children, can receive £300. To access the support, individuals must demonstrate financial hardship and difficulties in bill payment, along with providing recent bank statements for all household members.
Applicants do not need to receive Universal Credit or other benefits to apply for the fund, but they can only receive one award within a 12-month period. The payment is directly credited to the energy provider, appearing on the bill or pre-payment meter. Interested individuals can apply through the Blackpool Council website.
Residents outside Blackpool are encouraged to explore the support available through their local councils’ Household Support Fund. For instance, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is distributing £120 in vouchers to eligible residents, with specific distributions based on Council Tax Reduction recipients.
City of York Council is offering one-off £100 payments to residents receiving help with their council tax bills. Similarly, Portsmouth City Council is providing £150 to single-person households and £200 to couples or families meeting certain benefit criteria and income thresholds.
It is essential to check with your local council for specific eligibility criteria and available support through the Household Support Fund to alleviate financial burdens during the winter season.