Thousands of households may qualify for £300 in winter energy assistance. Blackpool Council is distributing this support through its Household Support Fund. Eligible households with one or two members, including children, could receive £200, while households with three or more members, including children, may receive £300. To be eligible, applicants must be facing financial difficulties and struggling to meet their expenses. Proof of recent bank statements for all household members is required to apply for the aid.
Applicants do not need to be receiving Universal Credit or other benefits to access the fund, but they are limited to one award within a 12-month period. The payment will be sent directly to the energy provider and will reflect as a credit on the bill or pre-payment meter. Interested individuals can apply through the Blackpool Council website. Those living outside Blackpool should explore their local council’s support options under the Household Support Fund.
Other councils are also providing assistance. For instance, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is issuing £120 in vouchers to qualified residents. In November, around 10,000 working-age households receiving Council Tax Reduction will receive two £60 vouchers, with a similar distribution planned for 6,000 households with pensioners in January. Additionally, one-off payments of £120 are available for low-income residents paying energy bills without Council Tax Reduction.
City of York Council is offering one-off £100 payments to residents receiving council tax relief. Nearly 5,000 eligible residents have been notified by the council via letters containing application instructions. Portsmouth City Council is granting £150 to single-person households and £200 to couples or families meeting income criteria. Household income thresholds apply for eligibility based on benefits received, with single adult households needing to earn below £935 and couples or families below £1,350.