With the Budget looming, UK households facing financial strain are being urged to act now to secure vital cost of living support, which averages around £750 per person.
How to Access Financial Support
A free online platform called Lightning Reach is at the heart of this push. The website helps people find and apply for support schemes from a network of over 2,500 partners, including charities, councils, and trusts like the British Gas Energy Trust and TSB.
Since its launch in 2021, the service has connected more than 200,000 people to over £20 million in financial assistance. This includes council grants and charitable help, with a significant £7.5 million dedicated specifically to energy bill support.
The Deepening Crisis and the Upcoming Budget
Ren Yi Hooi, Founder and CEO of Lightning Reach, issued a stark warning. "With the upcoming Budget expected to tighten household finances even further through new tax increases, the need for rapid and joined-up support is greater than ever," Hooi stated.
The call to action comes as household energy debt in the UK has hit a record £4.4 billion. Hooi highlighted the impossible choices many face, saying, "Too many people were facing impossible choices, between heating or eating, debt or dignity." He also pointed out that billions of pounds in support go unclaimed annually due to a complex and fragmented system.
Other Avenues for Help
If you are worried about bills, there are other immediate steps you can take:
- Contact your provider: They may be able to switch you to a cheaper plan or offer a temporary payment holiday.
- Speak to your local council: You may qualify for help through the Household Support Fund, a government pot of money distributed by local authorities.
The type of help from the Household Support Fund varies. For instance, City of York Council is providing one-off £100 payments this winter to residents receiving council tax support. This cash is paid directly into bank accounts and does not need to be repaid.
Acting quickly is crucial to accessing this essential financial help before the new Budget potentially intensifies the pressure on household finances.
