LOCAL community groups and charities supporting Basingstoke and Deane residents struggling with the cost of living are to be offered more help by the council.

The Cost of Living Community Fund aims to provide financial assistance to not-for-profit organisations to help deliver support services to residents affected by the rising cost of living.

To ensure residents can continue to access further support, the council is launching a second round of funding. The total available for this second round is £95,000, which is funded by the council and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6bn of funding for local investment by March 2025. 

Local organisations can apply for up to £5,000 of funding and the Cost of Living Community Fund must be used to support organisations with providing direct services and activities to residents of the borough of Basingstoke and Deane affected by the rising cost of living.

Cabinet member for partnerships, Cllr Jenny Vaux, said: “During this time of rising bills and energy costs, I’ve seen how important it is that the council provides additional support to the organisations that are struggling with the increasing demand to assist residents. I’m pleased to see such a wide range of organisations are being supported. This will continue to make a real difference in our communities.”

Funding can be used to make capital purchases of equipment and resources to support the delivery of the services and activities but cannot be used to make significant physical changes or improvements to facilities and premises.

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Grant funding will support subsidised activities for young people whose families are struggling; fridge and freezer storage for a food bank; mental health support; and support for the costs associated in keeping a family pet, along with food parcels for families in need.

The first round of funding, in partnership with the Greenham Trust, supported 10 local organisations with £40,000 of grant funding. Greenham Trust chief executive Chris Boulton added: “We are pleased to have been able to help fund local charities and organisations to support those in need.”

The deadline for application is April 18 and more information is available at basingstoke.gov.uk/cost-of-living-community-fund. For enquiries email ukspf@basingstoke.gov.uk.