A SCHEME to support residents struggling with the cost of living crisis by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has been welcomed.

The new £1m Cost of Living Assistance Fund will help households struggling to pay bills, with grants available to help pay for food and energy.

Leader of the Basingstoke and Deane Independents Cllr Paul Harvey said: “I really welcome this and it is so important. It sends a message to the residents of our borough who are at the moment facing serious dire straits and a million pounds will make a difference.

“I think the issues we are seeing in our wards that residents are facing is the tip of the iceberg believe it or not.

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“We know that in October a 64 per cent increase on top of the existing rise is going to hit residents again and that’s going to take the average bill way past £3,000 per household and we are talking about an impact that our residents can not sustain.”

This funding is in addition to support announced by the government and the Household Support Fund, which will provide food vouchers for residents who receive certain benefits. 

As part of the new scheme, one-off grants would be available for up to the following amounts:

  • Up to £1,000 for those on a household income of between £0 and £15,000
  • Up to £500 for those on a household income of between £15,001 and £20,00
  • Up to £200 for those on a household income of between £20,001 and £25,000

The new scheme was unanimously approved during a full council meeting held on Thursday, July 14.

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Cllr Andrew McCormick, leader of the Basingstoke Labour group, added: “I am very pleased that we have managed to find a £1m for this fund.

“It is going to start helping people straight away and it will make the difference, but it will not make the whole difference."

The leader of the council Cllr Simon Bound said it is the first scheme created to help those in need because "it is absolutely pouring" in regards to the cost-of-living.

In a statement he said: “We know this is a difficult time with rising household costs and energy bills set to increase further in the autumn and it is important as a council that we do something to help.

“As well as the support from the government, we are committed to providing additional financial help for families who are struggling to pay for food, energy and other living costs. Following approval of the scheme, we will be working hard to launch this support as soon as possible for eligible households.”

Cabinet member for finance and property Cllr John Izett added: “At this time of pressure on family finances, I am pleased that this council can afford to re-direct these funds to support residents hardest hit by the rise in the cost of living.”

More information on the scheme will be available shortly at basingstoke.gov.uk/costofliving 

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