New 'Lancaster Hardship Fund' aims to help our most vulnerable residents

Wednesday, 23 February 2022 11:34

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Help for residents who are struggling financially could be on the way through a new 'Lancaster District Hardship Fund'.

The planned new £374,000 Lancaster City Council fund would be used to help people who have suffered hardship during the pandemic and are continuing to struggle financially.

The fund is intended to help address health and income inequalities, food and fuel poverty, mental health and loneliness, and assist partnership working with residents and local organisations.

Funds will come from cash left over from £1.425 million in government money awarded to the council at the start of 2020/21 to help reduce council tax bills for working age people.

This payment scheme saw £300 paid to working age Council Tax Support recipients during 2020/21, and has "naturally drawn to a close", according to a council report.

The new fund, to make use of the leftover money, has been recommended by Councillor Anne Whitehead from Lancaster City Council (pictured left).

Her proposal will go before the council cabinet at a meeting on March 1.

A council report on the proposal says: "In setting up a 'Lancaster District Hardship Fund' with residual funds, the council will be in a position to make informed decisions and offer financial support to those vulnerable residents who have found themselves in a difficult position during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The proposals for additional support apply equally across the authority, to all sections of the community.

"No formal consultation with the public has taken place, but informal discussions with partner organisations (e.g. Citizens Advice Bureau) and ongoing experience has helped shape the scheme."

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