Applications welcome for energy crisis support grants

APPLICATIONS are open for crisis support grants to help residents cope with soaring energy costs.

Rotherham Council set aside £500,000 — and the government added £250,000 to extend the scheme to more pensioners.

Working or non-working households can receive £250, with up to £400 available for older people struggling with the cost of living.

Applicants are assessed by RMBC staff, who can also give advice on benefits, training and other referrals.

A council spokesperson said: “To make sure the money is paid to those most in need, applicants must have no more than £150 a month left over after paying for all of their essential costs such as food, rent or mortgage and utility bills.”

Most households have received the £150 council tax rebate, which led to desperate scenes last week as residents cashed in for less at pawnbrokers to get the money more quickly.

RMBC leader Cllr Chris Read said: “We saw again last week how for some people on low incomes rising utility bills has made an already difficult situation almost impossible.

“That’s exactly why we set up the Energy Crisis Support Scheme.

“It’s also why it’s important that the council is able to offer advice and support to assist people on a longer term basis, not just with the short-term cash they might need.”

Visit www.rotherham.gov.uk/money-and-debt-advice or call 01709 382121 for more details and to apply.