Households struggling to pay their bills will receive a £60 payment from Southwark Council by the end of June.
The roughly 60,000 eligible residents don’t need to apply. Instead, the council will write to people explaining how they’ll be paid.
The payments are part of an £11 million care package for low-income families. So far, the council’s ‘Cost of Living Fund 2023/24’ has distributed £30 million to local residents.
Councillor Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Communities, Democracy and Finance, said: “We are here to offer a helping hand to our local residents struggling to make ends meet. While we recognise that the allocated funds may be a modest amount, we believe that every little bit makes a difference in times of need.”
In March, the government’s Energy Bill Support Scheme, which gave every household a £400 discount, came to an end.
However, from July 1, the energy price cap guarantee will drop to £2,074, saving households over £400 on average.
Cllr Cryan said: “Where the Government has stopped its support for those struggling with energy bills, we are stepping in to make sure those most in need continue to get help with paying their bills.”
Payments will be made via BACS transfers to those who pay their council tax by direct debit or as Post Office Payout vouchers for those that do not pay their council tax by direct debit.
To be eligible, residents must meet the following criteria:
- Living in and liable for Council Tax for a property in Southwark on 1st April 2023;
- the property is in council tax bands A, B, or C; and
- you were not receiving Council Tax Reduction on the 1 April 2023.
While there is no obligation to pay back the payment, residents can opt to do so if they wish.
Find out more about the payments here.
If you’re experiencing a crisis now and need emergency support with food, energy, or other essentials you can apply to the Southwark Emergency Support Scheme (SESS).
