Eligible residents, who have low incomes and are struggling with the cost of living, are able to apply for help to ease financial pressures. The Bracknell Forest household support fund provides short term and one-off financial support in the event of an emergency or crisis.
This funding is in place to help with circumstances where a resident is in financial hardship which could be eased with a one-off payment. It is not intended to be a form of income or relied upon to meet daily living costs.
To date the fund has aided residents with:
- the cost of food with a referral to a local food bank
- help with costs associated with energy or food
- financial assistance towards the purchase of energy efficient devices
Families with children eligible for free school meals have also been helped with the cost of food with supermarket vouchers during the school holidays. There is also a similar offer for eligible households where a child does not go to school, as well as children who go to schools out of the borough where that authority does not have a similar offer.
The fund is open to individuals or families who can apply using the online form or through organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, adult or children’s social care and the council’s voluntary section partners. Applications will be assessed using eligibility requirements including age, financial status and residency and only one award will be issued during the grant period.
Cllr Helen Purnell, cabinet member for the environment, community and housing, said:
“The cost-of-living crisis has brought hardship for many of our residents. With this fund we want them to know there is support when they need it. It is often the unexpected expenses that can cause issues and with the household support fund we can help ease these pressures.”
To apply, visit our Local Welfare Scheme page.