Cabinet has agreed proposals for the Council to provide a new funding support package of nearly £4.3 million to support local communities, families and residents impacted by the Cost of Living crisis.
The scheme was agreed by the Cabinet at their meeting on Monday, 18 September, and is in addition to several support schemes that have already been delivered by the Council in response to the crisis. The previous £2.9 million scheme was delivered in autumn 2022. The 2022 support package helped to alleviate the hardships of families and individuals most affected by providing direct financial support to families with children and supporting food banks.
The Council’s 2023 Cost of Living Support scheme includes:
The scheme is expected to be rolled out between October and December 2023 and further details regarding specific elements of the scheme, including how to apply and eligibility, will be made available on the Council’s website. The total cost of the scheme is £4.292 million.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “This further Local Cost of Living Support Scheme for 2023 aims to help residents and families who are facing financial hardships due to the ongoing Cost of Living crisis. The scheme will ensure that families who are struggling receive the help they need in light of increased costs of fuel, food, and energy.
“Even though inflation decreased to 6.8% in July, and the energy price cap is due to decrease to £1,923 from 1 October, energy prices and food costs remain extremely high. Additionally, as we come towards the end of the year, many households will be faced with increasing expenses to heat their homes, and the pressures we all face at Christmas. It is vital that as a Local Authority we provide extra support to those who need it most.
“There are five main elements to the agreed Council support – to provide £125 payments for eligible families with school-aged child(ren), a £260,000 resident support hardship fund, a £160,000 community support hardship fund, a £50,000 support package for local foodbanks, and a £130,000 package to help relieve energy cost pressures for not-for-profit organisations who run community facilities.
“Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is committed to helping our residents as much as we can. We are proud to announce the implementation of a further support package and I am sure that these additional measures will support families and individuals across our communities to overcome some Cost of Living pressures.”
Eligibility and further information:
- Compulsory School Age will be determined by the start of the school term beginning September 2023.
- A child begins to be of compulsory school age the term following their 5th birthday.
- If a family has one or more children born between 1st September 2007 (i.e. age 16 as at 31st August 2024) and 31st August 2018 (i.e. age 5 as at 31st August 2023) and reside in Rhondda Cynon Taf, then they will be eligible for a Family Payment.
- The payment will not impact upon any benefits (e.g. Universal Credit).
- Community Facility Energy Support Grant:
- Community based not-for-profit organisations who are known to the Council (RCT together) and who run a combination of activities and/or sporting activities will be invited to apply for this funding.
- It is anticipated that invitations will be distributed during October 2023.
- Community based not-for-profit organisations who are known to the Council (RCT together) and who run a combination of activities and/or sporting activities will be invited to apply for this funding.
- It is anticipated that invitations will be distributed during October 2023.
