Cost-of-living support from Wiltshire Council continues
The authority's providing a range of support to those in need
Even though the Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) ended recently, Wiltshire Council is continuing its support of people in the county.
The energy price guarantee has been extended to the end of June 2023, but the council is wary of inflation remaining high.
The allocation of funding to those who weren’t eligible for EBSS payments is ongoing, with over half a million pounds already allocated through the Governments EBSS Alternative Fund for people without a domestic electricity supplier, with an extra £172,000 available through the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme.
Recently, £5.4 million of funding was received from the Household Support Fund, which supports homes that would otherwise struggle to buy food or pay essential utility bills.
And despite the rise in temperatures, local libraries are still providing a warm space with the help of Warm and Safe Wiltshire and The Rural Communities Energy Support Network.
They are aiding people in need of basic energy advice, while nearly 1,500 warm packs have also been handed out.
The packs contained a thermal mug, a fleece blanket and a hot water bottle with a cover, and more may be available later this year.
The National Databank scheme is supported by UK mobile networks including Vodafone, O2 and Three.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:
“Throughout this crisis we have been involved in a number of projects and initiatives to ensure people can get the support they need and we have no intention of slowing down. We’ll continue to apply for any funding and work with our wide range of partners to help our communities as much as we can.
“As we’ve come to expect, the communities themselves have been supporting one another during this really challenging time and that shows the strength and the very best of our county.”