HOUSEHOLDS could be in line for a £200 grant to help them for pay for energy bills during the cost of living crisis.
Uttlesford District Council, based in Essex, is handing out the money to those who don’t qualify for the Council Tax Rebate or Discretionary Scheme.
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The £150 Council Tax Rebate is being dished out to millions of households in council tax bands A-D.
The Discretionary Fund offers money to struggling households outside those bands – from E-H.
But Uttlesford District Council is offering up to a maximum of £200 for any households who won’t be in line for payments through either of these schemes under its “Exceptional Hardship Fund”.
But you only have until October 31 before the scheme ends.
If you don’t live in the Uttlesford area, it’s worth checking with your local council if they’re running a similar scheme.
If you don’t know what council area you fall under, you can use the Government’s locator tool.
It’s not yet clear how many households might be eligible for the scheme but we have approached Uttlesford District Council for more information and will update you.
Who is eligible for the scheme?
There is certain criteria households must meet to be eligible under the Exceptional Hardship Fund.
To qualify, they must be solely or mainly resident in the property and the person who pays for the Council Tax.
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On top of this, the property must have been listed between bands E-H in the Council Tax valuation list for the Uttlesford area on April 1, 2022.
And you won’t get help if you’ve received a Council Tax Rebate or help from the Discretionary Fund on your current or any other property.
Uttlesford District Council has listed examples of some people who might be in line for the payment. They are:
- A single parent in a Band E-H property who does not qualify for the Discretionary Scheme but is struggling to pay household bills
- A person living in a home of multiple occupancy, where the landlord is responsible for the council tax, but the residents are collectively responsible for their utility bills
- A household that has suffered a recent change which has led to financial hardship. This could be due to illness, bereavement or separation
Uttlesford Council said however the list is “not exhaustive” and you may be able to apply through the scheme if you are struggling to pay your energy bills.
It’s best to make an application and see if you might be eligible.
How do I apply?
You can apply for the maximum £200 payment on Uttlesford District Council’s website.
But you will need some documentation to complete the application.
First, you will need details of the financial hardship you are facing and the reason for your application.
Second, you’ll need a completed means enquiry form, which you can find on the council’s website.
Third, you’ll need the last month’s bank statement for all accounts you have.
And finally, a recent utility bill, which could be gas, electric or oil, which clearly shows your name and address.
This is to prove you are responsible for the account/s at the property.
What other support is there if I’m struggling with my bills?
Alongside the Council Tax Rebate, Discretionary Fund and in the Uttlesford area the Exceptional Hardship Fund, there is other support on offer for households across the UK.
The government announced a giant package of support back in May.
Among the support, was a number of targeted cost of living payments that are designed to help the most vulnerable.
Below is a list of all the key information you need to know on them:
