The council has implemented a further package of cost of living assistance for residents across the borough of Rochdale who are most in need.
Around £15 million will be invested over the next 3 years providing a helping hand to thousands of residents in Heywood, Middleton, Pennines, and Rochdale.
The cost of living support, approved by councillors at a recent cabinet meeting, will utilise funding from the government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).
The fund replaces the previous Household Support Fund, providing the first multi-year funding settlement for locally delivered crisis support.
Local cost of living assistance includes:-
- Emergency payments for residents facing a financial crisis
- Help with keeping your house warm
- Debt and welfare support
- Housing support
- Assistance with food and other essential goods
- Access to free warm spaces
The CRF is a 3-year government funded programme that provides immediate support to low-income households experiencing a financial shock or significant financial hardship, while also helping to tackle the underlying causes of poverty and prevent future crisis.
Alongside emergency assistance, the fund will invest in services that help residents build long-term financial resilience, including welfare advice, debt support, employment opportunities and other initiatives, helping people to maximise their income and manage household costs.
Hundreds of young families will also benefit from the continued Holiday Activities Fund (HAF) programme, providing healthy meals, activities and free childcare places during school holidays.
Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of the council, said:
“Throughout my time as council leader I have ensured we have a helping in place for those residents in Heywood, Middleton, Pennines and Rochdale who are most in need. I am proud of our work to support low-income families across the borough and this builds and enhances the assistance we have put in place over recent years.
“I am delighted to be working in partnership with the government, helping to alleviate people’s cost of living caused by many factors out of our control. Along with the government’s welcome decision to remove the 2-child benefit cap and expand free school meals, this cash injection will ease pressures on household budgets and help to tackle the long-term causes of poverty. My message is clear, if you are facing a financial crisis, please get in touch with the council we are here to help.”
The council’s cost of living helpline, open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, can be contacted at 01706 923685.