£51 million support fund for Welsh families facing high living costs
The first phase will focus on energy bills and foodbanks
Last updated 16th Nov 2021
The Welsh Government will set aside £51 million to help families through the winter months this year.
The support package will be made available to lower income households finding it difficult to cover living costs, Welsh Ministers announced on Tuesday.
Part of the first phase of the Household Support Fund, the money will go towards heating and eating, helping families to pay energy bills and by giving extra funding to foodbanks.
More than £38 million will be available through a Winter Fuel Support Scheme for households receiving working age means-tested benefits.
Eligible households will be able to claim a one-off £100 cash payment in order to help them pay their fuel costs, regardless of whether it is through pre-payment or a credit meter.
Over £1.1 million will also be allocated to bolstering foodbanks and community food partnerships to help address food poverty and keep families fed over winter.
The move comes after the UK Government refused to budge on their decision to cut the temporary increase to Universal Credit.
The Bank of England is also warning that inflation will rise to 5% by the spring, which will put further pressure on households struggling to cover living costs.
Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said:
“We are very worried the cost-of-living crisis, coming so close to Christmas, will force families to turn to high-cost lenders or illegal loan sharks to help make ends meet
“This fund will help raise awareness of the alternatives out there which can help.
“Most of the powers to address this cost-of-living crisis lie in the UK Government’s hands but we want to do everything we can to help families through this winter.
“We will support you, your families, your businesses and your community through these unprecedented times.”
Further announcements about the Household Support Fund will be made in the coming weeks.