As the Conservatives remain in government and with colder weather on the horizon, Wiltshire Council is reminding residents that it continues to provide support during the cost-of-living crisis.  

Energy prices and inflation are much higher than in previous years, and interest rates continue to be unpredictable: this will undoubtedly put financial pressure on people throughout the county. 

There is a range of support available to help make things a little easier and to provide advice to those who need it, including: 

• Wiltshire libraries continuing as warm spaces 
• Warm & Safe Wiltshire in place to help people live in warmer, safer and healthier homes 
• An updated interactive guide to help people find key support 
• Household Support Fund   
• A range of online support and sign-posting information on topics including council tax/benefits, energy advice and mental health support 
• Area boards continuing to look at ways to support community projects 
• A Wiltshire Wellbeing support line to provide advice and guidance 
• The council’s FUEL programme
• Cheaper bus fares

 Wiltshire Council’s libraries continue to be there for people who need them, providing anyone with a warm and friendly welcome. The council is working with Warm & Safe Wiltshire and The Rural Communities Energy Support Network to assist residents seeking energy advice and make to referrals to experienced energy advisors. Free warm packs will be available for those who need them. Working with local community partners to reach the most vulnerable, libraries will be offering an enhanced offer of heated throws and radiator reflectors. More than 1,400 warm packs were provided to people last winter.  All libraries can signpost people to community partners and agencies that can support them through the rising cost of living. Wiltshire Libraries are also working with the Good Things Foundation to distribute free SIMs and mobile data at Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge and Warminster libraries to people who are 18+ years old and from a low-income household. The National Databank scheme is supported by UK mobile networks including Vodafone, O2 and Three. More information can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries-news.  

Warm & Safe Wilshire is a service to help residents live in warmer, safer and healthier homes. It provides in-depth telephone, home visit and outreach support to people and communities covering a wide package of support, including energy bills, energy saving tips, energy saving vouchers, and funding for heating and insulation improvements. More information at www.warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk.   

 In 2021, Wiltshire Council set up an interactive directory so people could easily find local food providers and warm spaces near to them. The council has engaged with local groups once again to establish what support is still available in the county and the guide has been updated. It can be found here

Wiltshire Council also continues to distribute £5.4m in round four of the Household Support Fund from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The Household Support Fund is in place to support households that would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential bills or meet other living costs during the current cost-of-living crisis. The fund can support a wide range of low-income households, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers, and disabled people who have had adaptations to their home and incur higher energy bills as a result. More information can be found at Household Support Fund (HSF).

The Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub continues to be in place to provide information and advice. The hub was originally set-up during the pandemic. It can provide advice, information, and signposting in relation to the current high cost of living. People can call the hub Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday from 9am to 4pm on 0300 003 4576 or email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk.   

Wiltshire Council’s Holiday Activity and Food programme (FUEL) will be back during the Christmas holidays. It is funded by the Department for Education and provides children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals with activity, food and nutritional education during school holidays. The programme in Wiltshire has supported more than 10,000 children, since launching in 2021. Eligible families will be able to sign up later in the year and details will be promoted through schools. More information about FUEL can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fuel-programme.

The government has also recently announced that it is keeping the £2 bus fare cap in place until the end of December 2024. More information can be found at www.connectingwiltshire.co.uk/getting-around/bus/.  

A range of support, advice and guidance can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living.

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