The £2m Neath Port Talbot Hardship Relief Scheme aimed at supporting local residents most in need of help during the cost of living crisis is now open.
The scheme has been set up with council funds and will be delivered in partnership with Neath Port Talbot based Community Interest Company Warm Wales.
As well as offering help with paying energy bills, the scheme will help residents ensure their homes are heated more efficiently.
The measures include:
- Boiler services, repairs and heating system maintenance and improvement work
- Home repairs such as fixing broken window catches or window/door frames.
- White goods e.g. fridges and cookers
- Small measures for home warmth such as draught excluders
- Credit meter energy payments
- Emergency top up vouchers
- Domestic heating fuel
- Fuel debt support
Other support measures may also be available.
To be eligible, a household accessing the scheme must be located in Neath Port Talbot and have:
- A net household income of below £34,500 (after tax, NI and housing costs [mortgage / rent payments, council tax])
AND
- A member of the household that is vulnerable to the cold due to age (children or being over 60 years) or has an existing health condition (physical or mental).
Residents not meeting the criteria but struggling to pay energy bills are still being encouraged to contact Warm Wales as it may able to access other forms of support.
Cllr Simon Knoyle, Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Justice, said: “The wider eligibility criteria for this scheme will enable us to help more people to heat their homes efficiently. It’s not just for those who are currently receiving benefits.
“There are a range of targeted interventions available and I would urge anyone who needs help to get in touch with Warm Wales.”
Jonathan Cosson, Chief Executive Officer at Warm Wales “We are pleased to be delivering the Hardship Relief Scheme in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council to ensure that local residents are receiving the support they need to heat their homes more efficiently as the cost-of-living crisis continues.”
