Alongside the support available from the government for cost of living pressures, West Northamptonshire Council has additional measures in place to help.

The Household Support Fund is available to individuals on a low wage and you may be able to apply for support if:

• you’re in work

• you earn less than £300 a week net (after tax, including any government benefits)

• you did not receive the Cost of Living Payment of £650 (paid in 2 lump sums of £326 and £324)

If your application is successful, you will receive an initial £125 payment, followed by another £125 payment automatically 60 days later.

To apply, you must provide:

• 2 of your most recent monthly payslips or 4 of your most recent weekly wage slips (depending how you’re paid and how long you have been working for your current employer)

• identification such as a recent bank statement, your driving licence or a recent utility bill.

Further information and the link to apply can be found here: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/claiming-benefits/household-support-fund

💷 The Council Tax Hardship Fund 💷

This is available if you are experiencing exceptional financial hardship, and you may be able to claim some discretionary assistance with your Council Tax. This is not a cash payment, but a credit to your Council Tax account. The decision to make a hardship payment including how much to award is at the Council’s discretion.

Before applying, applicants must demonstrate that they have taken all reasonable steps to resolve the problems that are causing them to apply for the reduction and apply for any other types of Council Tax reduction that may be available.

Further information on the Fund and the link to apply can be found here: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/council-tax-reductions-discounts-and-exemptions/apply-council-tax-hardship-payment

If you are a constituent and have any questions or require help then please email me on andrea.leadsom.mp@parliament.uk