Published: Thursday, 24th October 2024
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is committing further help to support people through the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ this winter.
As the clocks go back later this week, the city council is renewing its pledge to help residents across Stoke-on-Trent meet their fuel and food bills.
The measures include ensuring everyone who is entitled to Pension Credit is supported to claim it and providing six-figure funding to Citizens Advice, through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to offer financial MOTs to residents.
At today’s city council meeting (October 24), Council Leader, Councillor Jane Ashworth, outlined the proactive approach the authority is taking to help eligible residents claim for Pension Credit.
Among the measures are a letter which has been sent to all residents who the council has identified as potentially being eligible for Pension Credit, to encourage them to claim for the support.
Pension Credit take-up has also been encouraged and promoted through social media and other council media channels and newsletters. Meanwhile, city council housing and revenue, benefits and financial assessment officers are helping to signpost people they come into contact with towards support, where appropriate.
Flyers are also being printed to be distributed around the city in a targeted approach.
In addition, The Department of Work and Pensions is undertaking its own advertising campaigns by joining forces with charities, broadcasters and a range of partners to encourage people to claim.
Official statistics from February 2024 show that 6,233 people are claiming Pension Credit in the city, and a total of 42,661 residents are in receipt of state pension.
According to the latest figures from the National Audit Office, it is estimated that three quarters of those eligible for Pension Credit are claiming it. This means that an estimated 2,000 people need to be identified in Stoke-on-Trent who are eligible but have not claimed.
Cllr. Ashworth said: “We have sent letters to all residents who are potentially eligible for Pension Credit, based on the current council tax support and housing benefit data we hold, and we will continue to work with internal and external agencies to ensure all our residents are receiving the support they are entitled to.
“Our officers are also regularly signposting households to support services, where appropriate.
“Additionally, through our Help is at Hand campaign, which was launched to help support families through the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’, we have supported over 5,500 households in the city with advice and assistance to help alleviate fuel poverty, this includes referrals for grant support, fuel vouchers, debt advice and water tariff assistance.
“This is all part of our commitment to make Stoke-on-Trent a healthier, wealthier and safer place to live.”
The council is also providing funding to Citizens Advice, through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, so they can offer financial MOTs to residents. The funding for 2024/25 is £105,000 and that is on top of £70,000 provided in 2023/24.
The measures come on the back of a whole raft of support the council has introduced over the last few months to help people through the ‘Cost of Living’ crisis.
This includes:
The Household Support Fund – a £2.7 million fund received from Government, which the city council is using to help families with eligible children during the Christmas holidays along with support to residents with fuel costs and buying white goods, beds and hygiene supplies.
The #Help Is at Hand campaign – launched to help support families through the ‘Cost of Living’ crisis. So far, more than 5,500 households in the city have been supported with advice and assistance to help alleviate fuel, food and financial poverty. This includes referrals for grant support, fuel vouchers, debt advice and water tariff assistance.
A Benefits Calculator – which is available online (entitledto.co.uk). Residents can complete the form with their household details to discover if they would be entitled to any support.
Regular Money Matters events – Benefits Assessors have attended Money Matters events to enable residents to seek advice and support directly from a Benefits Officer.
Community Lounges – The council has 18 community lounges. These offer welcoming spaces to connect with experts and receive helpful information and guidance on a wide range of topics, including financial stability, maximising benefits and overcoming fuel poverty.
Council tax support and Council tax hardship relief fund – set up to help residents pay their bill if they are unemployed on low income or in severe financial difficulties (subject to eligibility criteria).
Sustainable Food Network – a cross-sector partnership led by YMCA North Staffordshire and VAST which supports the health, wellbeing and prosperity of communities by prioritising food availability, food affordability and food sustainability.
Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for education and anti-poverty, said: “There is a vast amount of co-ordinated advice around the city, from budgeting and energy efficiency advice to food support and sustainable healthy eating.
“I would encourage anyone who is experiencing concerns to reach out and access support as early as possible to prepare for any financial or other difficulties over the winter months”
For more details, visit the dedicated Cost of Living section on Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s website – stoke.gov.uk/help is at hand
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