Energy cost vouchers on the way for vulnerable households this winter

Extra financial help is on the way for low income households across the Borough this winter.

The support from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is focused on helping with the rising cost of living.

More than 17,000 households who are eligible for Council Tax reduction will be contacted by the Council in January with a voucher to help with energy costs. 

The voucher, which can be exchanged for cash, will be £100 for households with children and £55 for households without children.

Discretionary payments will also be available for low-income households who do not get Council Tax reduction and did not receive the Government's cost of living support payments.

To check if you're eligible for this support, you can use the online application form which will be launching this week.

The funding from the Government's Household Support Fund (HSF) will also be used to provide support for care leavers and residents accessing the Council's Back on Track scheme.

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We want to use the funding available to us to support as many people in the Borough as we possibly can and helping with the rising cost of living is our top priority.

"We know that a number of households who receive Council Tax reduction will have had cost of living payments issued by the Government in July, September and November. This is why we've decided to distribute vouchers during January 2023 to ensure the support is staggered and reaches households across the winter months.

"And of course if you do not receive Council Tax reduction then you could still access help via the Back on Track scheme or by applying to see if you could be eligible for support.

"As well as this, support will be given to partner organisations who operate food banks and community food pantries.

"Plus you can find out more on the range of benefits, advice and support available by visiting our dedicated Cost of Living web page."

You can find out more information by visiting the Household Support Fund web page.

You can also email HSF@stockton.gov.uk for more information.

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