FAMILIES and individuals who are struggling to pay their bills this winter are set to be supported by grant funding from the Government.

Forest of Dean District Council has been allocated more than £123,000 for its Household Support Fund, which will help to ensure Forest residents do not got without essentials like food and water, energy, and warm clothing and bedding.

The allocation of the funding will be split into two phases, with the first phase consisting of support for purchasing food and paying energy bills.

The first phase is currently being processed and will see contributions made to community groups such as Forest Food Bank, the Salvation Army, Lords Larder at Newent and the Forest Baby Bank for warm clothing and bedding.

Alongside this, the council are allocating funding to local furniture up-cycling projects in Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney and Newent, to facilitate subsidised purchases of goods such as fridge freezers and ovens.

Councillor Claire Vaughan, who is the Cabinet Member for Housing and Health and Wellbeing at the council, said: "The impact of the pandemic has had far-reaching effects with many facing financial uncertainty.

"The Household Support fund is here to help those vulnerable households with essential costs as we push through the latest stages of our pandemic recovery. 

"We recognise that lots of people may potentially be suffering hardship over the winter period and we are seeking to provide support to people that meet the criteria.

"We want to help households get back onto a manageable and sustainable path and this fund will enable us to offer targeted help to those who may struggle financially over the next few months."

Phase two of the scheme will see eligible individuals and families who are moving from homelessness or temporary accommodation to permanent tenancy provided with "home starter packs", which will include bedding and household essentials.

The starter packs will be provided by the district council’s Housing Team.

The second phase will also support people in receipt of Pension Credit (Savings or Guaranteed), with eligible residents being provided with a £45 gift card for the Co-operative, which could be used for food, other essentials, or white goods. 

Alcohol, tobacco and lottery products will be ineligible for purchase with the gift card.

The council says it has identified those residents in need and will "contact and distribute accordingly."