Wiltshire Council to extend Cost of Living Fund help

Help for those struggling with the cost of living has been extended until September, Wiltshire Council has said.

The fund is provided to support low-income households who would otherwise struggle to meet essential living costs.

Councilor Ian Blair-Pilling, cabinet member for public health, said the extension was “most welcome”.

He added: “Wiltshire Council and third sector organizations will work together to support households struggling most with food and energy bills.”

Mr Blair-Pilling said support would be provided through food parcels, energy vouchers, supermarket vouchers, household items and meals.

The fund would include support for families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and people with disabilities.

Wiltshire Council has also identified a need for support for Gypsy, Roma, Traveler and Seafarer communities.

While immediate needs would be prioritized, councils are also encouraged to use the fund to provide support that has a long-term sustainable impact.

Examples of sustainable support may include kitchen appliances, efficient heating systems, training or advice to provide long-term support.

Fiona Oliver, from Wiltshire Community Foundation, said the organization was “delighted” to continue its work with Wiltshire Council.

She said: “This fund will enable these groups to continue their work while it is still very much needed.”

Jonathan Twomey, from the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), said the organization understood “the difficulties many people in the region are facing”.

He added: “At CSE our mission is to end the suffering caused by cold homes.

“That’s why we’re delighted to offer the Household Support Fund grants through our ‘Warm and Safe Wiltshire’ initiative.”

Mr Twomey said the Warm and Safe Wiltshire initiative would provide eligible residents with e-vouchers for essentials such as food and energy costs, as well as energy efficiency upgrades such as replacement boilers or storage heaters.