Over 300 residents have been supported through Swindon Borough Council's Emergency Assistance Fund.

To help residents most impacted by rising living costs, the fund provides emergency assistance to low-income households in receipt of means-tested benefits.

It can be used to help people where there has been an unexpected serious emergency or crisis and there's a significant risk of harm to someone and their family if no help is given, if a vulnerable person in the community needs help with basic housing needs or food to prevent homelessness or hardship, or if they or their family require assistance moving into, or remaining, in the community.

The council has revealed that payments were made to over 300 people between April and September 2022. 

This included 101 households who were helped with food, 22 who were helped with gas bills, 41 who were helped with electricity bills, 101 who were helped with essential kitchen appliances and 49 who were helped with furniture.

For more information and for instructions on how to apply for the Swindon Borough Council Emergency Assistance Fund, visit the organisation's website here - https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20013/benefits_and_swindon_money_matters/542/emergency_assistance_fund