A SCHEME to support residents facing financial difficulties due to the cost of living has officially reopened.

From 2022 to 2023, the council awarded £1 million in grants through the cost of living assistance fund to support residents with food and energy bills.

The scheme was made available again on Monday, July 4 and applications are now being welcomed. Another £1 million is available for 2023 to 2024 to help households in the borough struggling with bills, with grants available to help pay for food and energy costs.

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Under the new scheme, one-off grants will be available:

  • Up to £1,000 for households with two or more adults with a joint income of up to £35,000
  • Up to £500 for single households with a household income of up to £25,000

Residents must either be liable for council tax for their home in the borough or have utility bills in their name and have less than £20,000 in savings. Joint tenants in a property who do not combine income can apply as single households.

Cabinet member for communities, partnerships and inclusion Cllr John McKay said: “We are committed to continuing to help the households in our borough that are hardest hit by the escalating national cost of living.

"These grants are targeted at those on the lowest household incomes in the borough and will give real help to pay food and energy bills. We hope this will offer some support and respite for those struggling to make ends meet and take away some of the worry of paying bills."

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Income does not include certain benefits, including disability benefits on behalf of a child, disability living allowance, personal independence payments, carer’s allowance, child benefit or child maintenance.

Payments will be made through a Post Office payout code which allows cash to be withdrawn at a Post Office branch. In some cases, residents may be provided with a supermarket voucher.

Grants will be awarded on a first come first served basis so the scheme may close earlier if the funding has been fully allocated.

Residents living in the borough can apply at basingstoke.gov.uk/COLAF or those without access to the internet can call 01256 844844 and speak to the benefits team to arrange a telephone or in-person appointment.