I welcome the government's allocation of additional money to directly help those most in need with essential food and energy costs until 31 March 2024. Cornwall Council will be given over £9 million from the latest round of the Household Support Fund, which forms part of a £22.6 million allocation in total. The funding is an extension of the Household Support Fund and has been allocated by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to English councils, who will then use it to support people during the current struggle with the cost of living. Details will be listed in due course on the Cornwall Council website about how to access the fund. This additional money comes on top of extensive support for those in need in the coming months. The most vulnerable will receive direct payments in 2023/24, which include up to £900 delivered in three payments to those on means-tested benefits, a £150 payment for those on disability benefits, and £300 on top of Winter Fuel Payments for pensioner households. Benefits and pensions will also increase by 10.1% in April, with the minimum wage seeing its largest-ever cash rise, hitting £10.42 an hour. And more widely, the Energy Price Guarantee will save the typical household £500 in 2023/24. I will also share further information on my website and social media pages.
Applications to the Alternative Funding for the Energy Bill Support Scheme are now open. Most people will receive Government support for their energy bills automatically. However, many households haven't been able to receive Energy Bills Support Scheme payments automatically. This could include people who live in - a residential park home; are off the mains electricity or gas grid; or are part of a heat network without an electricity meter. Those who have missed out on the £400 support can now apply by visiting www.gov.uk and filling out a form. If you cannot apply online or need help doing so, the contact details for assistance are alternativefunding@ebss.beis.gov.uk and Telephone: 0808 175 3287. I strongly encourage North Cornwall constituents who qualify to apply as soon as possible. Please let neighbours and friends who may not be aware know about the scheme.
As always please visit my website www.scottmann.org.uk to read the latest news and updates from North Cornwall and Westminster. You can also follow me on social media via www.facebook.com/TheRightMannForNorthCornwall.
