Local MP, Maria Miller, has urged Basingstoke residents to take up support schemes offered by the Borough and County Councils, as well as the national Government, to help alleviate the difficulties caused by cost-of-living increases.
Maria said: “Basingstoke has always been a compassionate and supportive and community, that works hard to help those most in need during difficult circumstances. I welcome that our Borough Council is stepping in to make available considerable support for those facing hardship this winter and into next year. This is on top of schemes set out by our national Government, such as the Energy Bills Rebate and Cost of Living Payments.
“There are many different schemes, particularly for those on low incomes. Support is out there, and I would encourage Basingstoke residents to look at the options to see what they might be eligible for. If you have a family member, neighbour or friend who is struggling with their bills, please make sure they are aware of the help available.”
Council support:
To support residents experiencing difficulties the Borough Council has established a Cost of Living Assistance Fund. This will provide a fund of up to £1 million in the 2022/23 financial year to support vulnerable residents with household bills and other unexpected costs that risk putting the household into financial hardship:
There are also multiple local schemes supported by the Borough Council. Further information can be found on the Council’s website: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/costofliving
Meanwhile Hampshire County Council have their ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ scheme of support, with further details of all that is available on their website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/costofliving
UK Government Support:
The Energy Bill Discount removes £400 off energy bills for households in Great Britain. This automatic, non-repayable discount will be applied in six instalments between October 2022 and March 2023.
The Cost of Living Payment scheme, with more than 8 million households on means tested benefits receiving a payment of £650 this year, made in two instalments.
A non-repayable £150 cash rebate has been provided for homes in Council Tax bands A-D (equivalent to 80 per cent of all households).
Pensioner households will receive an extra £300 this year to help them cover the rising cost of energy this winter. This additional one-off payment will go to the over 8 million pensioner households across the UK who receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
An additional a one-off payment of £150 has been paid in September to around 6 million people the UK who receive disability benefits (Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance, and War Pension Mobility Supplement).
The Energy Bill Relief Scheme which will provide a price reduction to ensure that all businesses and other non-domestic customers, including care homes, are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter.