Thousands of households may qualify for £300 in assistance with energy bills this winter. Blackpool Council is providing this energy credit through its Household Support Fund to eligible households. Each local authority administers its own version of the Household Support Fund, offering various types of support such as energy assistance, supermarket vouchers, and cash grants.
Eligible households in Blackpool are set to receive £200 in energy help if they consist of one or two individuals, including children. Families with three or more members, including children, could receive £300 in support. To access this assistance, applicants must demonstrate financial hardship and an inability to meet their bill payments, along with providing recent bank statements for all household members.
Applicants do not need to be receiving Universal Credit or other benefits to apply for this fund, but they can only receive one award within a 12-month period. The payment is directly made to the energy provider and will reflect as a credit on the bill or pre-payment electric or gas meter. Interested individuals can apply through the Blackpool Council website.
For those outside of Blackpool, it is advisable to check with the local council about available support through the Household Support Fund. Various councils, such as Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and City of York Council, are offering financial assistance to eligible residents to help with their energy bills. Portsmouth City Council, for instance, is providing £150 to single-person households and £200 to couples or families meeting specific income criteria.
Residents are encouraged to explore the support options available in their area to alleviate financial burdens during the winter season.