York has secured more than £1 million to help people struggling to meet rising living costs.
The government money goes to the City of York Council household support fund.
Here are the key details:
- Payments will be made directly to qualifying residents who meet the criteria of the scheme
- Qualifying residents will be invited to complete a simple application form
- Payments will be made in July
- The money will go to families with children which are claiming Council Tax Support (CTS), recipients of Personal Independence Payments and Disabled Living Allowance at the higher rate, and pensioners claiming CTS.
There will also be a discretionary application process available for any resident who requires support. This will be available until the end of September.
Any York resident can apply for this support, whether or not they have children, are single or in a couple, or already receive any benefits. Any resident who does not qualify will be signposted to other support as appropriate.
Cllr Nigel Ayre, the council’s executive member for finance and performance, said:
Together with our partners in the community and voluntary sector, we are doing all we can to support residents in the greatest need.
This is clearly a very challenging time for so many so it’s crucial to ensure all is done to ease the burden of the cost of living crisis.
This extra funding from the Government is very welcome and will mean that we can provide more help on top of the local fuel voucher and food voucher schemes, which have been crucial to so many.
The funding was agreed at the Decision Session for the Executive Member for Performance and Finance on Monday 9 May and the full report can be read here.