Support for struggling households in city extended

The council has provided supermarket vouchers to people struggling with the cost of living

A council has secured funding to carry on supporting people struggling with the cost of living.

Peterborough City Council said it had received £3.2m as part of the government's Household Support Fund (HSF), which was designed to assist with essential bills like energy and food.

Since the HSF was introduced in November 2020, the council has provided help to thousands of people in the city with support hubs and supermarket vouchers.

The scheme was due to end this month but has been extended for another year.

Mosque charity iCare runs one of the support hubs at the Khadijah Mosque on Cromwell Road

The HSF has helped to establish 24 cost of living support hubs, mostly run by faith organisations, to provide essential food and toiletries and act as a safe space.

The support would continue despite a 12% reduction in the grant this year, the council said.

Funds will be used for homeless prevention, to support people to either maintain existing accommodation or find alternative housing through the use of rent deposits and rental payments in advance.

Councillor Alison Jones said: "I am absolutely delighted the government has chosen to extend the HSF, which has helped thousands of vulnerable people in our city over the past five years.

"We are fully aware that times are still tough for many residents and we will continue to do all we can to help those in urgent need.

"As we always say, there is absolutely no shame in asking for support and I would urge anyone struggling to get in touch with us and consider the help available."