The town in need of a ‘crisis package’ as families go hungry and cold
Reporter: Charlotte Hall, Local Democracy Reporter
Date published: 29 October 2024
The funding package is from the government’s household support fund, but local authorities choose how to spend their allocated money
Residents in Oldham will receive a total of £2.5m in government support to help people struggling to afford heating and food as the cost of living crisis rolls into its third winter.
The funding package is from the government’s household support fund, but local authorities choose how to spend their allocated money.
In Oldham, more than 15,000 kids will receive food vouchers over the Christmas break.
Families of youngsters in receipt of free school meals will be given vouchers for food, toiletries and other essentials to keep down the price of grocery shops.
Those facing financial hardship, including pensioners, will also be able to apply for the vouchers.
Their value will be worked out on a case-by-case basis by the size of the family and length of time they’ll need support for.
Around £185k of the money will go towards helping people who are struggling to heat their homes, which could help ease the burden on those missing out on winter fuel payments.
Eligible residents can claim £49 vouchers towards fuel up to four times a year, a maximum of £196 per household.
In addition, there are £60 support vouchers available for disabled residents and carers in receipt of council tax reductions (CTR) and for housing benefits claimants.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of the fund will go directly to the Oldham Food Bank so they can maintain supplies.
And £200k will be distributed through Action Together to charities, community groups and faith organisations who have pledged to provide warm clothes and other essentials to those who need them.
Oldham Council is also pointing residents to other channels of support.
More than 3,200 eligible people aren’t claiming pension credit, according to council calculations, meaning as much as £7.8m could be sitting in the government treasury unclaimed.
Councillors have encouraged the elderly to ‘check, even if you think you’re not eligible’ and that there was ‘no stigma attached’ to claiming pension credit.
The council have advised those struggling with costs to call the Oldham Helpline on 0161 770 7007 or visit the council website.
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