The cost-of-living crisis continues to bite both in Kenton and across the city. Newcastle Council is distributing cash from the government’s Household Support Fund to help vulnerable residents and families. It’s being used to support a number of different schemes.
To date it’s been used to fund Free School Meal vouchers (weekly £15 per child) for up to 15,000 eligible youngsters during the school holidays. It will be used again during the February half-term break and will be distributed by local schools.
Cost-of-living ‘top-up’ payments have also been issued for people who get Housing Benefit, but weren’t entitled to the government’s main COL payments.
Since January 2023 hardship payments for food or energy bills for householders who are in serious financial difficulties are available. The fund is, however, limited. To be eligible city residents need to be responsible for household bills, have a ‘budget deficit’ (have more money going out than coming in) and have sought advice or help from the council, YHN or Newcastle Citizens Advice. These agencies can help with the paper work to apply for one-off £200 payments.
Further information
For more info visit Newcastle City Council’s website or Newcastle Citizens Advice in person.
Kenton residents can get help by visiting the fortnightly face-to-face Welfare rights sessions at Kenton centre (Thursday morning – 9.30 to 1.00) or Kenton Citizens Advice every Tuesday morning at The Haven, Halewood Ave.
