Latest news with #LocalCouncilTaxReduction
Daily Mirror
28-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Universal Credit households to receive new £320 Cost of Living payment this summer
The new cost of living payment is available next week, with local authorities set to hand out the cash to those who need it most. Here is how it'll work Households on Universal Credit are set to receive a new £320 summer Cost of Living payment with certain councils offering handouts 'up North'. One council in the East Midlands is dishing out grants of up to £320, all thanks to the DWP 's Household Support Fund, which has seen councils distribute thousands to those feeling the pinch. Residents of North Northamptonshire can snap up supermarket vouchers worth as much as £320 from August 4, as confirmed by the local authority, while Doncaster is also handing out £300 to those in dire need of funds. The City of Doncaster Council is stepping up to provide a one-off payment to residents who are on Housing Benefit, Local Council Tax Reduction, Universal Credit that includes housing costs, or means-tested free school meals. North Northamptonshire Council's leader, Jason Smithers, said: "I am pleased that we once again have money from UK Government's HSF through an extension". The spokesperson went on, saying: "We have opted to once again fund food for children on free school meals during the holidays, and ease the financial burden of back to school expenses. In addition, we will be able to help many other residents in the form of supermarket vouchers, to help with balancing finances. I would urge those to not miss out on the opportunity to apply". An that he "would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the many community groups who have been instrumental in helping us use HSF to distribute funding where its most needed". "These have included charities and organisations providing all kinds of household support, such as help with emergency energy, white good replacement and provision of lower energy equipment to cook meals, as well as food parcels." "I know they are continuing to use HSF to help our most vulnerable residents and so would like to publicly thank them for their vital support." Since the beginning of the fiscal year in April, Universal Credit has reduced the amount of debt repayments taken from council benefits, reports Birmingham Live. Now with a limit of 15 percent instead of 25, the 'New' Labour change aimed to return money back to the wallets of over a million households struggling with debt, according to However, many remain unhappy with Starmer 's cuts, especially after the Welfare Cuts Bill passed on July 1.
Scottish Sun
03-06-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Families on Universal Credit can apply for free £300 vouchers this month – check if you're eligible
Find out if you're eligible and how you can apply HELPING HAND Families on Universal Credit can apply for free £300 vouchers this month – check if you're eligible THOUSANDS of households can apply for free vouchers from their local council this month. This is through the Government's Household Support Fund, which has given £742million to councils across the country to help struggling residents. 1 Struggling families could be eligible for up to £300 in vouchers from the council Credit: Alamy Local authorities can choose how they use the funds to help people in their area, and the latest to reveal its plans is City of Doncaster Council. It says it will be providing one-off payments worth up to £300 to residents on certain benefits. You'll be eligible if you receive: Housing benefit Local Council Tax Reduction Universal Credit which includes the housing element Means-tested free school meals. Families can get £100 vouchers towards the cost of food if they have one dependent child. Households with two dependent children will get £200, while families with three or more will get £300. City of Doncaster Council says it classes children as dependent if you receive Child Benefit for them. Other eligible households - including those without children - can get £100 towards the cost of energy bills. The council is also putting £150,000 into supporting local food banks and its hygiene bank. Hundreds of thousands have been set aside to support community hubs helping vulnerable households and people in crisis. 6 Easy Water-Saving Gadgets That Can Save You £100s How can you get the payment? If you've already received help from the Household Support Fund before and you still meet the criteria, you won't need to apply. Instead the payment should land in your bank account automatically. You will need to contact the council if your bank details have changed, though. If you were paid by cheque previously, you'll receive the payment by cheque again unless you contact the council and provide it with your bank details. You can contact the council to change your details by emailing householdsupportfund@ You'll need to provide your name, National Insurance Number, full address, bank sort code, account number and the name of the account holder. If the council can't verify that you're still eligible for the payment but you think you are, you will need to reapply. Households that haven't received a payment previously will need to submit an application. You can do that using the link here. Make sure you apply before the applications close in July. When will the payment be sent? Households with children will get their food vouchers on or around July 15. Those who are receiving help with their energy bills will get their vouchers much later. These will come through on or around December 15. Can you get help if you live outside Doncaster? Most likely, yes. Councils across the country have been given money through the Household Support Fund scheme. They can choose to distribute the money how they want so you should check what your local council is doing. However the aim is to help households cover essentials such as energy or water bills and food costs. Some councils have not yet revealed how they are planning to spend the money, but others have shared details on their websites. For example, households in Redcar & Cleveland can get support worth up to £230. Those in Leeds can get payments of up to £150. Councils have until March 31, 2026 to allocate their share of the fund to residents. If you're struggling with bills or on benefits, it's likely you'll be able to get support. You should contact your local council or check its website to see what it's offering and whether you might be eligible. You can find what council area you fall under by using the government's council locator tool - Some offer supermarket vouchers while others are sending direct cash payments. It's worth noting that any help you receive via the Household Support Fund won't affect your benefit payments.
