Extra support for cost-of-living crisis approved in Derbyshire
More than £780,000 is being provided.
More than £780,000 is being provided by Derbyshire County Council to support residents affected by the rising cost of living this winter.
It is part of a package of financial support being given to projects and organisations across the county that support vulnerable people with practical help, advice and information.
And it comes as the authority announces a new £50,000 fund to support warm spaces in community venues for residents and their families who are struggling to heat their homes.
Voluntary, community and charity organisations will be able to bid for a share of the cash towards their operating costs to provide a warm refuge during the colder winter months.
The money will be able to be used towards energy bills and providing refreshments or activities
Announcing the fund Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said:
“Everyone is feeling the impact of the rising cost of living which is why we’re putting in place support for the most vulnerable in our communities as we head in to winter.
“Our new Warm Spaces Fund will provide grants of up to £1,000 to organisations to help with the costs of either opening their venues, or where they already run activities, keeping them open for longer to provide a safe, warm space for people to go.”
The county council is working with district and borough councils and is also looking at how it can use its own buildings, including libraries, to provide warm spaces for the public.
As well as the new fund, the authority has also agreed to give an additional £100,000 to Marches Energy Advice which, working alongside foodbanks, supports people in crisis with emergency heating measures.
The additional funding could help an extra 650 households across Derbyshire struggling with energy costs. Support includes providing emergency credit meter funding, pre-payment vouchers or low-cost lightbulbs alongside advice and support.