Low-income households on the Isle of Wight will once again receive food and utility support vouchers to help with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Last month the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced a further extension to the Household Support Fund would run until March 2025.
For the Isle of Wight it means a further £1.1 million to help eligible residents who are struggling to afford things like energy and water bills, food and essential items.
Cllr Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for adult social care and Public Health, said:
"It’s vital that we continue to support those most in need across the Island, particularly as we head into the winter months.
“We still find ourselves in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis and times remain tough, but I hope this announcement will go some way towards reassuring families struggling to make ends meet that support is there to help them pay their bills, put food on the table or access other support and advice to assist them.”
As part of the latest support package, a one-off food voucher of £25 per household will be distributed automatically to those in receipt of Local Council Tax Support.
Meanwhile pensioners in receipt of council tax support — but not in receipt of Pension Credit — will also be eligible to apply for a one-off utility voucher of £75 per household.
Other support funded via the HSF include:
- a new top-up food voucher scheme for those in crisis need;
- grants to provide a range of emergency need and support via the Help Through Crisis scheme which assists Islanders who are in genuine hardship, enabling them to quickly access help in an emergency;
- food provision funding for established community pantries to increase their reach within the community;
- community grants to develop local schemes supporting lsland residents with food, utility related items and wider essentials.
In addition, the council will continue to work with Island providers to ensure other financially vulnerable residents are assisted where appropriate.
Help Through Crisis, delivered by the CAB, has a dedicated phone number for residents to call for support with cost-of-living — (01983) 823859.
The best way to find out more about the support available to Island residents is by visiting the council's cost-of-living web pages. Alternatively, people can email the council at hsf@iow.gov.uk or call 823134 for urgent cost-of-living information.
Council Leader, Councillor Phil Jordan, added:
"The high cost of living means many Island households are still struggling to pay for everyday essential items.
“I am pleased the Household Support Fund scheme helps provide some relief for those families and vulnerable individuals.”
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