Thousands of households in dire straits can now access free assistance worth £500 to settle water and energy debts. Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is offering these grants as part of the Household Support Fund, a scheme that empowers local councils to provide specific aid to residents who are behind on bills or have low incomes.
However, it is up to each local authority to determine the type of support and its recipients, leading to a postcode lottery for many households regarding available help. For instance, you might receive cash payments that do not require repayment, or vouchers for food or energy.
To qualify for assistance from Solihull Council, you must reside in Solihull, have a combined annual household income below £31,000, no household savings (unless you’re a pensioner, then you can have up to £5,000 in savings), someone living in the household with a vulnerability, and be receiving a qualifying benefit. These benefits include the state pension, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
If you meet the criteria, you could receive fuel vouchers worth up to £147, assistance to write off up to £500 in energy or water debt, free essential white goods, plus blankets, quilts, warm clothing, and emergency portable heaters.
Applications for the scheme will reopen in early January. More information can be found at actonenergy.org.uk/support/hsf-sol, reports the Mirror.
The Household Support Fund was initially set to conclude on September 30, 2024, but it has been extended for an additional six months, until March 31, 2025, after another £421million was allocated to the scheme. If you’re not a Solihull resident, it’s worth checking your local council’s website to see what help they might offer.
For instance, Rotherham residents can claim the £250 support this winter. To qualify, you must have no more than £150 remaining each month after covering essential expenses like food, rent or mortgage, and utility bills.
The funding is not means-tested but only one application can be made per household. Blackpool Council will be offering payments of up to £300 to households struggling with energy or water costs.
The money will be paid directly to your supplier and will appear as a credit on your bill or prepay meter. According to the council’s website, households of one or two people can receive a £200 payment, while households of three or more can claim £300.