Norfolk County Council Allocates £6.7m to Support Vulnerable Households

Tens of thousands of households in Norfolk, including pensioners who have lost their fuel payments, are being offered assistance to help them weather the winter months. Norfolk County Council has unveiled how it plans to utilize £6.7 million received from the government’s Household Support Fund to aid some of the county’s most vulnerable populations.

The continued support comes after concerns that the fund would expire in September were alleviated. Despite the Labour government’s decision to cut winter fuel payments for 10 million individuals, the Household Support Fund has been extended.

Leadership at the Conservative-controlled County Hall has announced that 50,000 households across Norfolk will benefit from this initiative. Andrew Jamieson, deputy leader of Norfolk County Council and cabinet member for finance, stated, “There will be thousands of people who will miss the new cut-off by a small margin, leaving them without the means to pay for the cost of fuel. The council will ensure payments reach those most in need quickly.”

The council plans to allocate £750,000 to work with organizations and charities, like Age UK and the Citizens Advice Bureau, to identify pensioners who narrowly miss eligibility for pension credit. These individuals, along with others facing significant costs due to factors such as disabilities, may receive one-time cost-of-living support up to £120 through the council’s scheme.

Additionally, the council is setting aside £400,000 for libraries and museums to serve as warm spaces where people can enjoy free hot drinks. A sizable portion, £3.6 million, is allocated for cost-of-living vouchers for families eligible for means-tested free school meals. Meanwhile, £1 million will be directed towards the council’s Norfolk Assistance Scheme, which provides emergency financial support and household appliances, including cookers, washing machines, and beds.

Liberal Democrat county councillor Sharon Blundell criticized the Conservative administration, stating, “Let us not forget this Conservative administration rejected a Lib Dem proposal to create a fuel poverty strategy for Norfolk, which would have helped our most vulnerable in the long term.” Despite these political differences, the funding plan has received general support.

Steve Morphew, leader of the Labour group at Norfolk County Council, welcomed the assistance but remarked how Tory council policies had previously forced residents to bear higher care costs.