Financial help to be given to vulnerable people
Low income and vulnerable residents in St Albans District may be entitled to free supermarket and energy vouchers to help with cost-of-living increases.
St Albans City and District Council are identifying individuals and families who may qualify for assistance from the Household Support Fund.
Among the groups who may be eligible are unpaid carers, people in temporary accommodation and those faced with additional expenses due to an illness or disability.
The Council is also looking to help residents on low incomes who have not previously benefited from Government schemes to help with household bills.
The support includes supermarket vouchers that can be exchanged for food and essential toiletries or energy vouchers to help pay for gas and electricity.
Funds to purchase white goods such as cookers and fridges, bedding and other household essentials may also be available in certain circumstances.
The Council’s staff, including its housing and benefits teams, have been working to identify vulnerable people in need of such support.
Some residents may shortly receive a letter informing them that they are in a priority group and can receive a supermarket voucher.
Chris Traill, the Council's Strategic Director for Community and Place Delivery, said:
Residents who have not previously received cost-of-living payments and we have identified as being eligible for help will be receiving letters from us shortly.
We would urge them to act upon the information given as they could receive significant financial help to cope with the cost-of-living crisis.
With inflation still at a high level at, many people are struggling to pay for essentials, so this help could provide a welcome boost to their finances.
The fund is open until early next year so our staff will continue to identify eligible households and work with partner organisations on these issues.
Residents who have not been identified as eligible cannot apply directly to the Council but can contact Herts Help to discuss their options.
Media contact: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer: 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.