Struggling Swindon households are to get extra help with their bills this winter.

Swindon Borough Council has received £1.5 million from the government's Household Support Fund to assist vulnerable households with food, heating, and housing costs during the colder months.

This month £81,000 has been made available for residents in need via the Household Support Application Fund.

Residents who have experienced unexpected expenses affecting their ability to meet the cost of energy, food, or other essential bills, or who are struggling to afford to run their home, may be eligible for assistance through the Application Fund.

Successful applicants will receive a one-off payment in the form of a voucher for the period up to the end of next March.

The council will also distribute the £1.5 million from the Household Support Fund through projects which support vulnerable people in the area.

This includes £460,000 for low-income pensioners just above the Pension Credit threshold who need additional support, and £585,000 for food vouchers for families in need during school holidays.

Between March and October the council was allocated £1.35 million as part of the previous Household Support Fund.

This allowed the council to distribute 28,200 food vouchers to families with children during school holidays, supporting 9,600 children across the borough.

On top of this, 438 awards worth £70,000 were provided to residents.

Council leader, Councillor Jim Robbins, said: "I’m pleased we are now able to help eligible residents through the Household Support Fund.

"This vital funding will support the most vulnerable people in our local community.

"Distributed either directly to families or via third parties, as part of this programme we are looking to allocate £460,000 to people who are just above the Pension Credit cut-off to support them through the winter.

"Vouchers will be issued directly to pensioners who receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support, but not in receipt of Pension Credit.

"We’ve been working closely with our MPs and the wider community to make sure we identify the right people to support."

Residents are also encouraged to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit.

A successful application for Pension Credit will automatically trigger eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment, an annual tax-free government grant of £200 for residents under the age of 80, or £300 if they are over 80.

Claims can be made on the UK Government's website or by calling 0800 991234.

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