Councillor calls for ‘top-up’ for Hardship Fund

At the latest meeting of the Finance, Economy and Corporate Services Committee South Kesteven District CounCharmaine Morgan, Labour Group Leader, called for South Kesteven District Council to top up its Hardship Fund to support those most in need in the District.

At present there is £20k allocated to the fund.

She said:’I had raised a concern at the impact of the loss of the £20 Covid- 19 Top Up for people on Universal Credit expected this autumn. 

“The Hardship Fund is a safety net for our residents and can be applied by SKDC officers. If in doubt its important to ask. SKDC’s Finance Officer has agreed that funds allocated for Covid19 support can be used. 

“I also successfully called for a review of a scheme to help with Housing Benefit.

“At present SKDC sits in the centre of a league in providing support for its residents. However we have some of the lowest income households in the County, if not country in our District. It appears the allocation of funds is distributed across all income groups when it could be more targeted to those most in need.

“I also asked if it is possible to provide more help overall.I am pleased to have had the support of other committee members enabling the proposals to go forward. The review will be completed by next February. In the meantime the Hardship Fund can be used.

“The committee will monitor the Hardship Fund to ensure it can cope with demand’.

The Co-operative Party have raised a further issue. Nationally nearly half of young expectant Mums and parents and pensioners on low income with children 4 years and younger are not claiming their Healthy Start vouchers. This figure applies locally too. In Lincolnshire over £13k a week is going unclaimed. The vouchers can be used to purchase fresh fruit and veg.

To check eligibility and claim the vouchers it is possible to go online https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply/
,or, call the Healthy Start helpline on 0345 607 6823.  

An application form can be posted if necessary.

While the Government is being lobbied not to remove the £20 Top Up help for Universal Credit claimants it is not clear if they will listen. So many will suffer if it goes. 

It is really important those in need know what help is available and claim where appropriate.

Please share this information if you think someone may be eligible.