A council has pledged to help people through the cost of living crisis with a range of food, energy and welfare support.

Councillor Joy Aitman, West Oxfordshire District Council's cabinet member for stronger healthy communities, said: “During the pandemic we saw our communities respond in an amazing way and it has been no different during this crisis.

“We will be providing £40,000 in funding and the use of council storage facilities to our local food network, as well as recently offering a further £50,000 to support local groups who are running schemes tackling isolation, health and wellbeing.

"The council will also be providing dedicated support to help these groups." 

Councillor Andrew Prosser, cabinet member for climate change, said the council was extending the criteria for its fuel poverty grants so more people are eligible.

He said: “We are also working closely with partners to deliver the Sustainable Warmth and Home Upgrade Scheme, which provides people on low incomes advice and support with making their homes more energy efficient and over the past couple of weeks we have contacted over 4,000 households.”

The council has agreed a fund of £200,000 to help with the cost of living crisis both in the community and with extra funding for council services such as homelessness support, benefits services and housing.

Some 18 groups providing support in the community have been given funding following applications earlier in the Autumn. 

The council is also distributing leaflets making people aware of the support available nationally and locally as well as supporting the national Warm Welcome scheme which helps groups set up a warm space.

Councillor Aitman added: “I would like to encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out, whether that's to a local group, your council or an organisation like Citizens Advice.

"There are people there who genuinely want to help and will do so sensitively and confidentially.”

Residents can visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/costoflivingsupport which includes a link to the Better Housing Better Health service which provides advice on reducing energy usage and energy bills.

You can register a warm space at www.warmwelcome.uk 

 

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