Council promotes support available for residents facing financial difficulties

With the impact of Coronavirus, recent gas price increases, and the Government's removal of the £20 uplift to Universal Credit, Bedford Borough Council is encouraging local residents to check what support they are eligible for.

On the website at https://www.bedford.gov.uk/social-care-health-and-community/public-health/coronavirus/coronavirus-financial-help-for-residents/, the Council has pulled together the various forms of local and national support that are available to people facing financial pressure at this time.

This information will be promoted through a social media campaign and council communications.

The help available includes Council Tax support where residents on the lowest incomes in Bedford Borough can get support to reduce their council tax bills.

If your circumstances have changed and you think you may be eligible for Council Tax support there is information available on this webpage.

This webpage also has information about how to apply for Universal Credit, and the eligibility criteria for free school meals.

The Council also provides more immediate financial support through hardship support and crisis grants, to help people manage through an emergency or crisis if they have low income and are in receipt of a qualifying benefit.

Councillor Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Welfare at Bedford Borough Council said "These are difficult times for people with the impact of COVID-19, rising gas prices as we head into winter, and the removal of the £20 uplift for those on Universal Credit. I want to make sure that everyone can find out about the help and support that is available and would encourage people to take a look at the webpage at https://www.bedford.gov.uk/social-care-health-and-community/public-health/coronavirus/coronavirus-financial-help-for-residents/."