Norfolk County Council has set out its plans to use £1.15m of the £6.7m allocated to the county through the Household Support Fund to keep people warm and help them make ends meet.
This follows the government's decision to make the winter fuel payment means tested from this winter which will see over 20,000 people lose payments of up to £300.
Councillor Andrew Jamieson, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance at Norfolk County Council said:
"We are extremely concerned about the impact that the government's decision will have on our communities. Winter can be an extremely challenging time for our older residents and the cost of heating your home can make it difficult to pay for other necessities. There will be thousands of people who will miss the new cut-off by a small margin, leaving them without the means to pay for the cost of fuel.
The county council will make sure payments make their way quickly to those who most need them, working closely with Age UK, Citizen Advice Bureau and other local partners. However, the funding only lasts until March. I will continue to urge the government to find a solution that isn't to the detriment of our older residents."
The county council will use £0.75m to partner with local organisations, including Age UK and Citizens Advice Bureau, to reach some of those most affected by the changes to the Winter Fuel Payments. They will also put £400k into the 'warm spaces' scheme which provides vital respite in community spaces across the county.
The proposals also include £3.6m to continue providing cost-of-living vouchers for families eligible for means tested free school meals. This is in addition to:
- £1.00m to Norfolk Assistance Scheme. Delivered by the Norfolk County Council, the scheme includes direct award of assistance, the provision of household items and emergency help, alongside a range of support and guidance
- £0.70m to local councils across Norfolk to provide proactive and crisis support
- £0.25m to Adult Learning to continue free access to a range of courses to help with cooking at home, budgeting, and digital skills.
The Household Support Fund has been extended to the end of March 2025.
