DWP announces £24m support for 300,000 North East households this winter
£24m will be split between 12 local authorities in the region after a £421 million extension to the Household Support Fund was confirmed earlier this month
by Daniel Hall · ChronicleLiveThe Government's Household Support Fund will provide £24m to 12 local authorities in the North East this winter, the DWP has announced.
A £421 million extension to the Household Support Fund (HSF) was confirmed at the beginning of September, after councils warned that families faced a "cliff edge". The scheme, which was due to wind up at the end of this month, has now been extended until April 2025, and will be distributed to residents in need of support with heating, meals, and essential items.
The Fund, which runs from October 1 to March 2025, is intended to provide emergency assistance, as well as supporting community groups and projects to help struggling households. Government figures show that around 200,000 children and 100,000 pensioners are living in relative poverty after housing costs in the North East.
Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary, said: "Despite all the problems we have inherited, this Government has invested an extra half a billion pounds in the Household Support Fund, so we can help families and the poorest pensioners who need it most this winter.
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"This £24 million boost will support families who need it in the North East with the costs of feeding children, heating homes, or helping people get to work. This comes alongside our work to fix the foundations of our country, grow the economy and deliver opportunities for people to get work and get on in work, so everyone feels better off."
A total of £24,202,602.51 will be distributed among 12 local authorities in the North East. To apply, individuals are encouraged to contact their local council directly or visit their website for details on the application process and available support.
The extension of the HSF came after Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced pressure over Labour’s move to cut the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners, something the Prime Minister insisted will "stabilise the economy". In the wake of that announcement, councils and charities alike have encouraged pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, which can unlock extra benefits.
Services which can help with Pension Credit and other Benefits
- UK Government free Pension Credit calculator. Alternatively, call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 731 0469.
- Government's Pension Credit toolkit Pension Credit toolkit: advice and guidance for stakeholders - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Independent Age - https://www.independentage.org/get-advice/money/benefits/pension-credit
- Money Saving Expert has information specifically about Pension Credit - https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/pension-credit/
- Search Newcastle give benefits advice to older people in the west of Newcastle - https://www.searchnewcastle.org.uk/west-end-friends/
- Citizens' Advice Newcastle https://www.citizensadvice-newcastle.org.uk/
- Newcastle City Council's Information NOW site on Pension Credit
- Karbon Homes customers can contact the Money Matters team on 0808 164 0111, email moneymatters@karbonhomes.co.uk or complete an online self-referral
- Newcastle Council Housing Services give housing tenants benefits and debt advice.
- Age UK Gateshead give benefits advice to older people in Gateshead and Newcastle. Ring 0191 477 3559
Sources - Newcastle City Council/Newcastle Council of Elders