A new scheme to support Basingstoke residents facing financial difficulties due to the rising cost of living is to be launched by the Borough Council.
Basingstoke MP, Maria Miller said: “There is currently significant pressure on Basingstoke family budgets, due to rising energy costs, exacerbated by inflationary pressures caused by the pandemic and the impact of the war in Ukraine.
“I therefore welcome plans by the Borough Council to go above and beyond the already considerable support put in place by the national Government, to help families struggling with the cost of living, with this new scheme.”
Due for approval by councillors in July, the new £1 million Cost of Living Assistance Fund will help households struggling to pay bills, with grants available to help pay for food and energy.
As part of the new scheme, one-off grants would be available for up to the following amounts:
Up to £1,000 for those on a household income of between £0 and £15,000
Up to £500 for those on a household income of between £15,001 and £20,000
Up to £200 for those on a household income of between £20,001 and £25,000.
Up to 25% of the grant can be used to buy food with payments made through vouchers or a Post Office payout code which allows cash to be withdrawn at a post office branch. The remaining funding will be allocated for support with rising energy costs. These payments can be made directly to the supplier or paid through a Post Office payout code.
Grants will be awarded on a first come first served basis so the scheme may close earlier if the funding has been fully allocated.
More information on the scheme will be available at: www.basingstoke.gov.uk/costofliving
For details of national Government support available for the cost of living, please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-living-support/cost-…