As pressure from the cost of living emergency continues with high energy, housing and food costs, the Council remains committed to supporting local people in need through its £2 million Cost of Living Fund.
A second set of initiatives have been agreed under the fund, established in September 2022, to put in place practical measures including food support, advice on money, benefits and debt, emergency grants, free school holiday activities and meals, and ways to tackle fuel poverty.
The fund focuses on crisis support, addressing immediate challenges, as well as initiatives to support longer term financial stability through employment and savings particularly for younger people. The second set of funding allocations include:
- Payments to care leavers, special guardians, and in-house foster carers
- Top up funding to the Discretionary Housing Payment scheme
- An extension of fully-paid placements to include half terms at Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) clubs
- Funding for the Towards Employment team focused on young people
- A project to encourage young people to save and learn about money management
This support complements a range of existing measures including:
- Food provision through food banks and the Community Fridge
- In-person and over the phone advice about managing money, bills and debt
- Emergency assistance grants
- Energy efficiency assessments and programmes to keep vulnerable residents warm and well
Another five cost of living events are being held at Merton libraries as part of the fund, where a range of expert advice is available to support residents from reducing debt and fuel costs to mental health support, employment, and savings.
The next two cost of living events will be held on Saturday 23 September at Pollards Hill Library and Saturday 28 October at Raynes Park Library.
The fund works in conjunction with the Household Support Fund, funded by the UK Government, to provide a comprehensive package of support.
Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, Councillor Billy Christie said: “We are committed to doing everything we can to support people through this cost of living emergency, and the second set of measures in our Cost of Living Fund will help us continue to support Merton families and residents in need.
“As well as immediate support, the second tranche of funding takes a long-term view, creating more economic opportunities for young people by supporting them with employment initiatives and helping them to start saving so they can build financial resilience in the future. “Helping residents get through this cost of living emergency continues to be our highest priority.”