Discretionary Cost-of-living fund set to launch

Bridgend County Borough Council will launch its discretionary cost-of-living fund on 1 October, with the aim of offering further support to residents during the cost-of-living crisis.

The Welsh Government has awarded the council just over £1.2 million, and the support will be targeted to those who need it the most.

A household will qualify for a £150 discretionary support payment if on 1 August 2022:

• They were liable for council tax on a property
• Living in the property as their main or primary residence, and responsible for paying utility and other regularly incurred bills for the property

And

• They were in receipt of a Council Tax Disabled Band Reduction and have not already received a cost-of-living payment under the main scheme.

Or

They were in receipt of an exemption from Council Tax on 1 August 2022 for one of the following classes:

• A severe mental impairment
• Providing care
• Receiving care
• A care leaver
• Aged under 18 years old, and live alone
• A full-time student

Also, households in council tax bands E and F that were not in receipt of council tax reduction on 1 August will receive £60.

A one-off payment of £150 will also be paid to families living in temporary accommodation on 1 August with a payment of £50 being made to those individuals living in temporary accommodation, along with a £50 voucher for each child in a family with children eligible for free school meals on 1 August.

The scheme will not affect any of the other benefits eligible households currently receive or current council tax payments being made.

Most of the discretionary support funding will be allocated to households automatically. These households will receive a remittance advice letter with payments being made directly into their bank accounts. The remainder of households will receive a letter or email to request bank details for the payment to be made.

For eligible households, direct payments are expected to be made from the 1 October 2022, when the proposed scheme is due to start. The scheme is expected to run until 31 March 2023.

Households in bands A – D were previously supported by receiving a payment during the first phase of payments earlier this year.

This funding boost from Welsh Government will offer a vital lifeline to many residents in Bridgend County Borough.

This is an extremely challenging time, with the cost-of-living crisis continuing to present difficulties for a wide range of people. With that in mind, it is important that we continue to offer as much support as possible.

Councillor Huw David, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council

If you need to get in touch with the council once the scheme has been launched, please email: col@bridgend.gov.uk or call 01656 643643. Further details on the scheme, will be available on the council’s website.