Vulnerable residents in Nottinghamshire are set to benefit from cost of living support before Christmas. Conservative-led Nottinghamshire County Council has announced £700,000 of support measures including grants, benefits advice and ways to cut down on energy bills this winter.
The funding includes grants for voluntary and community groups, an expansion of the benefits team to offer cost of living advice and funding to provide expert advice on improving energy efficiency at home. Councillor Matt Barney, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said the authority is offering face-to-face advice more as it is “aware some people can’t afford the cost of making a phone call or accessing help online”.
Local groups will be able to apply for £450,000 worth of grants under the council’s Local Community Fund (LCF) for the 17-month scheme. Similar grants will also be available to community groups in need of contributions towards their own rising energy bills. Through the expansion of the council’s benefits team using £100,000, residents will be encouraged to come forward to find out how to claim the benefits they are entitled to.
