Lancaster City Council launches grant scheme to help with heating, food and other essentials during Covid-19 pandemic

The scheme is to support all those who are struggling to afford food, gas, electric and other essentials and in need of immediate help.

To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must be age 16 years and over, live in the Lancaster district and be on a low income or in receipt of benefits (including Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Income Support and Pension Credit).

Applications will be considered on a case by case basis and awards are at the discretion of the council, subject to fund availability.

The scheme will also signpost residents to other sources of support as well as referral to other organisations for advice and assistance on financial and other long-term needs to ensure that they can get the maximum level of help and support.

Councillor Alistair Sinclair, Cabinet member for communities and social justice, said: “The last seven months, living in a public health crisis, has been difficult for all of us and traumatic for some. Lancaster City Council, with community partners, established a support hub in the spring and has been working closely with Morecambe Bay Foodbank, Eggcup and food clubs, and other members of the Lancaster District Food Poverty Alliance, to try and ensure people don’t go hungry in our district. "This new scheme will enable us to provide more support to people that have been left with little or no means of income for a long period owing to their livelihood being hit hard by the pandemic.

“It’s going to be a challenging winter and it’s hoped that this funding will help those most in need living in our communities to get back on their feet and recover financially.”

You can apply online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/emergency-assistance-grant or by calling the council’s community hub on 01524 582000 between the hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.