£2.7m extra cost of living support for Wiltshire households

Council says extra Government funding ‘most welcome’

The Government has awarded an extra £2.7m towards the cost of living to Wiltshire Council.

Authorities say they will work to distribute the money to low-income households by September 2024.

The Household Support Fund aims to help those who would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs.

These include families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and people with disabilities, with Wiltshire Council also identifying a need for rough sleepers and the Gypsy, Roma, Traveler and Seafarer communities.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health said:

“The extension of the Household Support Fund for Wiltshire residents is very welcome. The funding will allow us to continue to provide this support to those most in need until September. Wiltshire Council and third sector organizations will work together to support households struggling most with food and energy bills. Support will be provided through food parcels, energy vouchers, supermarket vouchers, household items and meals.”

Fiona Oliver, Joint Chief Executive of Wiltshire Community Foundation said:

“We are delighted to continue working with Wiltshire Council to distribute the 2024 Household Support Fund grants to charity and community groups working with Wiltshire’s most needy.

“This fund will allow these groups to continue their work while it is still very much needed. For information about our grants and eligibility criteria, visit our website.”

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