Millions of Britons could receive extra cash to help with the cost of living this winter after the UK government extended the Household Support Fund.
A £421m pot will be given to local councils in England to distribute, while £79m will go to the devolved administrations.
The fund will now be available until April 2025 having been due to run out this autumn.
Councils decide how to dish out their share of the fund but it’s often via cash grants or vouchers.
Many councils also use the cash to work with local charities and community groups to provide residents with key appliances, school uniforms, cookery classes and items to improve energy efficiency in the home.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “The £22bn blackhole inherited from the previous governments means we have to take tough decisions to fix the foundations of our economy.
“But extending the Household Support Fund is the right thing to do – provide targeted support for those who need it most as we head into the winter months.”
The government has been criticised for withdrawing universal winter fuel payments for pensioners of up to £300 this winter – with people now needing to be in receipt of certain means-tested benefits to qualify.
People should contact their local council for details on how to apply for the Household Support Fund – they can find their council here.
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