Grants are still available until the end of March to help vulnerable families and individuals in our borough who are struggling to afford food, clothing, fuel and other household essentials.
The grants are part of the £421million given to local authorities by the Department of Work and Pensions, £5.3million of which has been given to Surrey County Council. The grants are to ease short-term financial pressures this winter.
Councillor Julia McShane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Councillor for Community, said: “We are helping tackle fuel poverty through our Household Support Fund. The Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has had a huge impact on our lives socially and financially. These grants are to support our vulnerable residents and families with fuel, food and other essential items during the coldest months of the year.
“By the end of December GBC had received 336 applications. The applications show that increasing fuel costs are putting people into financial hardship and having to make choices over food or fuel, as well as clothing for children.
“We also offer support through the WARMTH MATTERS initiative which is for people to apply for a fuel voucher. By the end of 2021 we’d given 20 families a voucher.”
Lead Councillor for Resources, Cllr Tim Anderson said: “It’s excellent that we have this money available to help our vulnerable residents. We know how difficult these next few months can be with the cost of Christmas, the cold and wet weather, and the recent rise in fuel prices.
Guildford Borough Council will continue to accept applications for the Household Support Fund until 31 March 2022. To apply you must be over 16, live in Guildford and be without the sufficient resources to meet your immediate short-term needs.
If you’re worried and need help, fill in an application form and email it to community.wellbeing@guildford.gov.uk. Please give as much detail as possible to help us assess your household needs and priorities.