We are to receive a further £180,000 to support those struggling to afford food, household bills and other essentials this winter.
The money is the latest from the government’s Household Support Fund, an earlier round of which this year saw the council distribute roughly £340,000 to those in need in Gravesham.
For this latest round of funding, the council will be using its Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) tool to identify and support local households who have not received a cost-of-living support payment from the Department for Works and Pensions, yet are in energy or financial crisis. Around £140,000 will be distributed in this way.
A further £10,000 will be used to support organisations hosting warm spaces in the Borough through the winter, and the remaining £30,000 will be used to help sustain tenancies, prevent homelessness and, where needed, enable council tenants to move to more affordable accommodation.
Announcing the funding, Cllr John Burden, the Leader of Gravesham Borough Council, said: “We know so many families in the Borough are struggling to make ends meet, which is why this support is so important.
“Using our LIFT tool, we will be able to identify those in most need of our help. They won’t need to apply, we will be approaching them.
“I am also happy to say we will be able to provide support to those organisations providing warm places in the Borough, which are going to play a vital role in helping the vulnerable through the long winter months.”
The council has already used its LIFT tool to distribute more than £250,000 from an earlier round of Household Support Funding to vulnerable pensioners across the Borough to help them meet their heating bills.
Further funding of around £80,000 was distributed to help those in need via Citizens Advice West Kent, local foodbanks and winter shelters.
Cllr Burden added: “We know people are struggling to pay bills. If you are worried you cannot pay your council tax or if you are one of our tenants and are struggling to pay your rent, contact us as soon as possible. There are a number of ways we can help, but the sooner we know you are having difficulties, the better.
“We also have details of possible financial support and other ways of finding help such as foodbanks and warm spaces in the Borough on our website.
“There is plenty of help and support out there if you need it.”
Visit our cost of living pages for a comprehensive round-up of the support available.