Direct financial support sent to Walsall residents ahead of Christmas

Tuesday, 17 December 2024 11:01

Financial support totalling £1,200,000 will be provided by Walsall Council to thousands of households in Walsall this winter.

Households in receipt of Council Tax reduction have received a payment of £75 per child to help with the cost of food and energy bills as Christmas approaches.

These payments form part of the national Household Support Fund, which has been extended for a sixth round. The latest round of funding runs from October 2024 to April 2025.

Councillor Amandeep Garcha, Portfolio Holder for Resident Access and Housing Support at Walsall Council, said, “We know many households continue to struggle to pay food and energy bills.

“Christmas can be a very expensive time of year for many, which is why these payments are targeted at households in receipt of Council Tax reduction with children. Through the latest round of the Household Support Fund, we expect to be able to help 7,600 households, benefiting around 16,000 local children.”

Where Walsall Council holds bank details for eligible residents, payments have already been made automatically.

Where bank details are not recorded, credit will be added to the recipient's Council Tax account, from which a refund can be claimed. Vouchers are available for those without bank accounts, ensuring that nobody is excluded.

The Household Support Fund not only provides direct financial support to those on Council Tax Reduction but also provides other types of support. Residents in Walsall can check their eligibility and apply for support through the Household Support Fund at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/benefits/household-support-fund

Residents can also apply for Council Tax reduction at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/benefits/council-tax-reduction

Help and guidance for claims is available at Walsall Connected sites located across the borough. There are 29 Walsall Connected centres across Walsall including council-owned libraries, community partnerships and other partner organisations.

More from Local News

Grant awarded to Tamworth Samaritans as council honour longest night by lighting the castle green

Tamworth Samaritans receive three-year grant of £5k per year Tamworth Castle join message that #youareneveralone by lighting up green 21 December marks the shortest day and longest night of the year
Walsall Town Centre Christmas shopping information whilst construction is underway

The Saddlers Shopping Centre in Walsall is undergoing a makeover as part of the redevelopment of Walsall town centre, so what can shoppers expect over the festive period?
Give your bins a wheelie good Christmas

This year, across the borough of Walsall, the council has plans in place to minimise disruption to bin collections as much as possible over the festive period. There will be changes in scheduled collection days only for households where scheduled collection days fall on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Turning the tide on fly-tipping: collaborative summit outlines key actions

A fly-tipping summit exploring an enhanced partnership approach to tackle fly-tipping in Walsall has taken place at the Lichfield Street Hub library in Walsall this week.
City Learning Quarter college campus development hits new heights

Phase Two of the council’s transformational City Learning Quarter masterplan has hit new heights with the roof now complete on the showpiece city centre college campus.
Make your voice heard in Our Net Zero City consultation

There is still time to have your say on a proposed strategy to make Wolverhampton a 2041 net zero city.
Decision to be made on council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Walsall Council’s plan to ensure the borough is inclusive for all will be set out at a cabinet meeting this week on Wednesday 11 December 2024.
Walsall Borough Local Plan to be discussed at Cabinet

An update and revised timetable for the progression of the Walsall Borough Local Plan will be considered at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 11 December 2024.