Substantial financial aid, exceeding £5 million, earmarked for disadvantaged households in Wiltshire.
The Wiltshire Council has announced a new round of the Household Support Fund, aimed at helping households struggling with soaring costs of living. This fund, which was initially announced by the government in April 2023, is set to run until 31 March 2024.
The funding, worth £5.4m, is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions as part of round four of the Household Support Fund. The council will be working with local organizations to distribute this support, collaborating with Citizens Advice, Age UK, local food banks, and community groups to ensure help gets where it's needed as quickly as possible.
Support will be provided through various means, including food parcels, energy vouchers, supermarket vouchers, household items, and meals. Fiona Oliver, joint chief executive of Wiltshire Community Foundation, stated that this funding will make a real difference and enable organizations to continue their vital work during a time when they are needed most.
Unfortunately, the rising costs of living have led to increased demand for support. A food bank in Wales has run out of food, and Charity BanktheFood has launched a fresh appeal for people to donate goods via its digital app due to fears that food banks in England could run out of supplies.
Details for applying for the grants can be found on the foundation's website, which were made available at the beginning of this month. The council and third sector organizations will work together to deliver this support, ensuring that households in need receive the help they require during these challenging times.
