As the cost of living crisis continues more families are finding themselves in financial hardship.
People in Merseyside are running out of food, money and time as one man, John, previously spoke to the ECHO about how he is terrified of the months ahead. This is a similar story for people right across the region as rising bills are set to increase further in the winter months.
While more support is needed, there are schemes and payments already available that can help those struggling most. One of which is the Healthy Start scheme - a lifeline for many pregnant women and families with children under four-years-old in the city.
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Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis, who has also issued urgent warnings for the 'bleak' winter ahead, has plenty of advice on his website to help with financial struggles. But Knowsley Council has since reached out to residents in the borough to inform them of help that is available.
Funding has been allocated to every council and they decide how this should be spent in their area. Knowsley Council was allocated £1.862m from the Household Support Fund for activity from April to the end of September 2022.
One-third will be allocated to households with children and a third to households where someone of pension age lives. Further details include:
- Vouchers for households who receive Free School Meals. Vouchers are issued automatically to those who are eligible.
- Knowsley Foodbank – for food and essential items. Residents can be referred to the Foodbank from organisations across the borough or can self-refer by calling Knowsley Food Support on 0151 538 8243. A list of their distribution centres can be found here Locations | Knowsley Foodbank
- Support for pension age residents. Further details will be available shortly and eligible residents will be contacted directly about the support that is available.
Energy rebate
Residents in Council Tax Bands A to D are receiving a £150 Council Tax rebate (known as the energy bill rebate). This is paid directly into their bank account (if a direct debit in place to pay their Council Tax) or they will receive a letter directly from the Post Office to collect the payment.
Knowsley Better Together Hardship Fund
Through its own funds, Knowsley Council has committed to support residents during the cost-of-living crisis. This is in addition to the support available through the Household Support Fund. Details of how this has been allocated and how you can access support can be found on the Council’s website but includes:
- Help with food and essentials (including toiletries, cleaning products and sanitary products), from local organisations across the borough.
- Help with the cost of energy for residents with prepayment meters through the Council’s Emergency Support Scheme.
- Free and confidential advice and support with debt and welfare benefits from Citizens Advice Knowsley and Prescot Advice.
Cost of Living Payments
Support will be given directly by the Government to those who are eligible. The scheme is managed through the Department for Work and Pensions. Further details are available on the Government’s website.
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