Local people have received nearly £400,000 in emergency payments this winter, thanks to Dudley Council’s Household Support Fund.

The council was awarded £2.6million in the government’s latest round of the household support fund. As in previous rounds, the majority of the money was distributed through key council services and organisations within the voluntary sector to get help to those who they are already aware of and are the most vulnerable and in need.

But this time, the council earmarked £400,000 to help people who are in need and contact the council.

Single one-off payments of £150 or £250 were made available to any household within the borough, where residents were on a low income and in financial hardship. Nearly 2,650 applications were received, with over 2,500 awards made, totalling £397,000.

Applications were encouraged from residents who had not yet received any direct government assistance through other schemes.

Payments were used to help people with the cost of food, essential goods, and help towards paying fuel and water bills as well as help with reducing energy consumption.

The application process ran from 22 November 2022 and closed on 13 January 2023. Demand was high from the outset and staff worked quickly and efficiently to process the majority of applications before Christmas, when help was most needed. Councillor Steve Clark, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and legal, said:

“We’ve already distributed millions of pounds to those who are the most vulnerable and in need through previous rounds of the household support fund.

“This time, while continuing to distribute funds through our partner organisations we also set money aside to help people who found themselves in need, perhaps for the first time.

“This is just part of the work we are doing to help ease the burden of increasing costs. People can find more information on cost of living support on the council website.”

The fund is currently closed but more funds may be made available in the new financial year and residents are advised to keep an eye on the council website for future news.