Hampshire County Council is urging local groups to apply for grants that will help them support those in most need in their communities. A total of £300,000 is being made available for projects that will help families and individuals facing food and fuel poverty, particularly in rural areas, between now and September 2022.
Councillor Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “I’m glad that we can offer funding to organisations who are helping families and individuals experiencing financial hardship. The rising cost of living is a challenge for most people, but it is especially difficult for low-income families with children, as well as pensioners, who might be struggling with food and utility bills. I would like to urge voluntary, charity and community groups across the county to apply for a Community Grant and help to make a positive difference to the lives of local people.”
The latest community grants are funded by the £7.12million Household Support Fund, provided to Local Authorities by the Department for Work and Pensions to support vulnerable households, especially with the cost of food and energy bills.
In addition to the grants, the County Council is using the funding to develop a suite of supportive measures that aim to help residents who are struggling financially. These include:
· Food vouchers for individuals receiving pension credit or council tax support distributed through district and borough councils.
· Funding for schools, colleges and early years settings to provide discretionary grants to vulnerable households with children.
· Additional funding and support for Community Pantries.
· Support via the local Citizens Advice for households struggling to meet the cost of their utility bills.
· Emergency housing support from district and borough councils.
The deadline for applying for a community grant is 29 July 2022. Organisations wishing to find out more should go to the connect4communities website for the full guidance and application form.
Advice and information for families and individuals is available from the Family Information and Services Hub (hants.gov.uk)
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