James Wild MP has welcomed the announcement that Norfolk has been allocated £13.4 million to help families in need with essential food and energy costs until 31 March 2024.
The funding is part of an extension of the Household Support Fund worth £842 million which will be allocated from 1st April to help the most vulnerable households across England. It takes the total level of support provided to Norfolk residents to £33,484,031, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to support the most vulnerable in times of financial hardship.
The Household Support Fund is a discretionary fund provided to local authorities enabling them to provide support to vulnerable families struggling to cover essential costs who may not be eligible for other Government support schemes.
The provision of the Household Support Fund has so far supported 130,000 Norfolk households, including help with the cost-of-living for 30,000 free school meal eligible children. The Norfolk Assistance Scheme has supported more than 6,000 people, providing emergency financial help, essential household goods and furniture, and advice, support, and guidance to people suffering financial hardship.
Commenting James Wild MP said:
“Higher prices largely driven by global economic challenges are putting pressure on people across North West Norfolk. So I welcome this extra £13 million to help the most vulnerable people with essentials in addition to significant targeted support for vulnerable families, disabled people, pensioners – and with energy bills”
The Government is also delivering further support on top of the Household Support Fund including means-tested £900 Cost of Living Payments which will benefit 11,200 households in North West Norfolk, a £150 payment for disabled people benefitting 10,.900 people in North West Norfolk, and £300 for pensioner households.
The Government’s Energy Price Guarantee is also protecting people from rising energy costs this year until the end of March 2024, bringing a typical household bill to around £3,000 per year in Great Britain.
