A COUNCILLOR is hoping to bring town and parish councils together to help raise awareness of the cost of living scheme available to residents in Basingstoke.

As previously reported, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council announced a scheme to support residents facing financial difficulties due to the rising cost of living is now open for applications.

Approved by councillors in July, the new £1 million Cost of Living Assistance Fund will help households in the borough struggling to pay bills, with grants available to help pay for food and energy costs.

SEE ALSO: Scheme to support residents facing financial difficulties  now open for applications

Under the new scheme, one-off grants are available for 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 £20,000
  • Up to £200 for those on a household income of between £20,001 and £25,000.

Cllr Kerry Morrow, for Tadley North, Kingsclere and Baughurst, recently brought up the cost of living crisis at a Kingsclere Parish Council meeting.

The parish council proposed a multi-agency response and have put the issue on their agenda. They now hope to bring the town and parish councils together on this issue and work together with the community.

Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “After a meeting, Tadley Lib Dems believe communication is key to rolling out this fund. Often the most in need are unaware of these funds or struggle to access the help.

“People need to know what they can claim for and be supported in making that claim. Not everyone has a computer and some residents will need help filling out forms. As councillors we will be directing people to Citizens Advice and pushing the Borough to ensure this scheme is a success.

“We will also be holding Liberal Democrat drop-in sessions where any issues can be raised in October onwards when higher energy bills will really l be hitting home. As part of the Tadley Environment Group we will also be trying to help in reducing the energy bills of those most vulnerable in the long term as this crisis is expected to continue for some time. This will also help with the climate change actions we are also trying to deliver in our local area.”

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Cllr Jo Slimin, councillor for Tadley and Pamber, added: “As a trustee for Citizens Advice Tadley, I know that we will be helping the residents access the fund, alongside the work that the CA already does with the existing County Council's household support fund funded by the Department of Work and Pensions that is due to run out in Sept 2022.”