INDIVIDUALS and families who are struggling with the cost of living across Wiltshire this winter are being reminded of the support available to them.

Funding is available from Wiltshire Council to support low-income households who would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills, or meet other essential living costs.

The council said this funding will primarily be used to help people in crisis in partnership with charities.

Councillor Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “There’s [a] wide range of support available across council services for anyone who needs it this winter and I would encourage people to check if they are eligible for any financial support from the government such as Pension Credit.

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“Our libraries continue to be warm spaces where people can stay and chat with staff, potentially providing an important social interaction and the opportunity to help people access additional services.

“Of course we wish in this day and age that such services weren’t needed, but we know the challenges residents are facing and we will continue to do what we can and be there for people.”

There is a cost of living advice and support available on the Wiltshire Council website, covering a range of topics including advice on energy costs, housing and a directory of warm spaces throughout the county.

Find out more about the household support fund on the Wiltshire Council website or by visiting https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/10672/HSF6-overview-eligibility-and-how-funds-can-be-used

Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment

Those over the state pension age are being encouraged to check to see if they qualify for Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment.

Pension Credit provides extra funds to help people with living costs – but only if they are above the State Pension age and on a low income.

Click here, or visit https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator, to check entitlement.

Those who qualify for Pension Credit could also receive a Winter Fuel Payment to help cover heating costs throughout winter as well as other support such as help with housing costs, help with council tax and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over.

Warm spaces in Wiltshire

Residents can also pop in to any Wiltshire Council libraries throughout the county to make the most of a warm space and chat with volunteers and connect with others.

“There are activities including board games, crafts and book chat groups available, and some libraries also offer hot drinks,” a Wiltshire Council spokesperson said.

“Library staff can also refer people to Warm and Safe Wiltshire for advice and support. All the usual library services, including free access to books, newspapers, computers, Wi-Fi and digital support, continue as normal.”

The council also provides a home library service for people who are housebound or struggle to get to a library. Anyone interested in this service should contact their library.

Click here for the full list of Wiltshire Council libraries.

Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub

The council’s Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub continues to be available to anyone who needs it.

Anyone can access the hub, originally established during the pandemic, and it can provide confidential advice, information, and signposting from the council’s friendly team.

The hub is available on normal working days, Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and Friday from 9am to 4pm.

People can email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk or phone 0300 003 4576.

For more details about any of the council’s services this winter, contact their library or visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries.

For more information and support on the cost-of-living crisis, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living.