Further hardship support for residents approved

Support for local people facing financial hardship has been approved under the next phase of the household support fund. 

The fifth phase of the project will continue to support residents with:

• supermarket vouchers for children on free school meals in Bracknell Forest primary and secondary schools
• expansion of emergency support for households in immediate need, including application-based grants to voluntary, community, and faith sector organisations to extend their reach and impact
• debt support offers for at-risk households facing housing benefit overpayments or council tax arrears
• council tax relief for households on the highest rate of disability benefit

Funding will also be available for local community groups to apply for, so more residents can access support related to the cost of living.

The scheme is funded through a grant of more than £555,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions. It aims to cover essential living costs for our most vulnerable residents. The fund prioritises support for food and energy.

This support follows the success of the council’s financial hardship action plan. Highlights from the plan over the past 18 months include: 

• the development of an online cost-of-living hub
• £485,000 of food vouchers given to households in receipt of free school meals
• establishment of a voluntary, community and faith sector financial hardship forum with over 25 organisations
• over £175,000 distributed to voluntary, community and faith sector organisations for direct resident support
• significant increase in the uptake of free childcare for two-year-olds, helping parent employment

Grainne Siggins, executive director: people, said:

"We have made great strides with the financial hardship action plan and the household support fund so far and we remain committed to supporting our residents through challenging times. 

“This is more than a financial aid - it’s about building a resilient community where everyone has the support they need. 

“That support would not be possible without help from our voluntary, community and faith sector organisations, which provide essential help and care for thousands of people across Bracknell Forest." 

This latest phase of support was approved by the council’s executive on Tuesday 23 April. 

To find out more about the support available should visit the household support fund page. More details will be published on 1 May.

Going forward, initiatives from the action plan will be embedded into the council’s standard services to make sure we have long-term support for the community. 

The council's strategic plans will continue to address and prioritise financial stability and housing security. This includes the:

• Economic Strategy 2024 to 2034
• Housing Strategy 2023 to 2028