The residents of Rotherham are set to benefit from a new government-backed initiative designed to ease the financial burden caused by rising living costs. Funded by a £2.5 million grant from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), this scheme offers targeted assistance to vulnerable households, providing grants, vouchers, and other essential support across the borough. The scheme is aimed at helping families cope with the soaring costs of utilities, food, and other basic necessities.
Building on the success of a similar program earlier this year, this new round of funding is expected to provide temporary financial relief to thousands of households across Rotherham. The previous initiative helped many families maintain stability, ensuring they could meet their essential needs. With the added £2.5 million funding, more residents will be able to access critical support.
Types of Support Available
The new scheme offers a variety of financial assistance options, including:
- Energy Grants: £1.1 million has been allocated for grants to help families struggling with energy costs. Eligible households can receive up to £250 to assist with energy bills, benefiting approximately 4,622 families.
- Council Tax Relief: Low-income households already receiving Council Tax Support will see their payments eliminated for the 2024/25 period, thanks to an additional £150,000 in funding.
- Care Leaver Support: £45,000 has been allocated to help care leavers, who often face difficulties in securing stable housing and employment.
- Community Group Funding: £60,000 will be provided to local voluntary groups, assisting vulnerable families during the holiday season.
- Essential Household Items: £50,000 has been designated for food banks and social supermarkets to help families access basic household items, such as hygiene products.
Energy Assistance
With energy costs continuing to rise, a significant portion of the funds—over £1.1 million—will be used to support households struggling with utility bills. Eligible families can receive grants of up to £250 to help cover energy-related costs. This support will benefit over 4,600 households, ensuring that vulnerable residents can maintain a warm home during the colder months.
Council Tax Relief for Low-Income Households
In addition to direct financial assistance, the scheme will provide relief to low-income households through Council Tax Support. The £150,000 fund will eliminate the minimum Council Tax payments for eligible residents for the upcoming 2024/25 period. This support will be automatically distributed to qualifying households, removing the need for residents to apply.
Targeted Support for Vulnerable Groups
Several vulnerable groups will benefit from tailored support:
- Care Leavers: The £45,000 allocation will help care leavers with rent, utilities, and other living costs as they transition to independent living.
- Community Support: Voluntary and community groups will receive £60,000 to support families during the holidays. This initiative aims to alleviate the stress of holiday expenses for vulnerable families.
- Essential Household Items: £50,000 will be directed towards providing basic household items, such as cleaning supplies and toiletries, to families in need through food banks and social supermarkets.
School Meal Vouchers for Children
To combat food insecurity, school meal vouchers worth £15 per week will be issued to children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 during school holidays. These vouchers will be automatically distributed by schools, providing continued access to nutritious meals when school is out of session.
Moving Forward
The funding plan is expected to be approved by Rotherham’s Cabinet, with the aim of using all funds by March 2025. The council intends to strengthen the financial resilience of the local community and provide long-term stability for the most vulnerable residents. This initiative not only addresses immediate financial needs but also helps ensure that families can thrive even in difficult economic times. The council will continue to monitor and adjust the program as necessary to meet the evolving needs of the community.
