ESSEX County Council has announced a £1 million support offer for pensioners this winter as part of a £9.4 million package.

Funding totalling £9.4 million has been allocated to the council from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund.

The funding, which runs to 31 March 2025, will be used to support households which may otherwise struggle with things like energy costs, buying groceries or paying household bills.

Funding will be available through different access points. This includes the Essential Living Fund, food support groups, community supermarkets and local voluntary and community sector organisations, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.

As well as specific support for pensioners, funding for families in receipt of free school meals will continue, in addition to targeted support for young carers and care leavers. 

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, said: “The Household Support Fund was introduced by the previous government and provides vital help to vulnerable families and support organisations. With the cold months around the corner and rising costs, people will be feeling the effects financially this winter.

“This is particularly the case for pensioners in Essex who may no longer be eligible for Winter Fuel Allowance, after the recent cuts made by central government, and we wanted to ensure there is support available, so they won’t have to choose between heating and eating.

“We have announced today where £9.4 million of Household Support Fund grant will be spent over the next six months. This will support people of all ages across the county, with a specific focus on helping the most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents of Essex.”

As part of the £9.4 million package, the council is focusing on key areas of support. These include:

• £4.5 million for the Essential Living Fund to help with emergency crisis situations
• £2.8 million for winter vouchers for families in receipt of free school meals
• £1 million targeted to support low-income pensioners with core costs over the winter months via the Essential Living Fund
• £250,000 for food support groups
• £150,000 for Citizens Advice Bureaus to provide additional support and advice
• £100,000 for voluntary and community groups
• £80,000 for community supermarkets
• £37,500 for young carers in Essex
• £42,500 for care leavers’ winter hampers and vouchers
• £40,000 for marketing and communications to signpost residents to available support
• £10,000 to support winter warmth schemes working in collaboration with Essex Libraries

More information on help with the cost of living is available at https://www.essex.gov.uk/help-cost-living.

Residents are also urged to contact the Essential Living Fund if they are struggling financially at www.southend.gov.uk/extra-financial-help/essential-living-fund.

The fund can support with:

• furniture
• household furnishings
• white goods
• general living expenses – day-to-day living expenses such as groceries, nappies, toiletries and fuel