By Bracknell Forest Council Leader

Mary Temperton

Hello to everyone in Bracknell Forest. The seasons are definitely changing with more rain and cooler temperatures at the end of last week!

The council receives funding from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) called the Household Support Fund. The funding, first allocated to the council in 2021, is used to support residents who are struggling with the cost of food, fuel or other essentials.

The funding is currently in its fifth round and is provided in the form of grants to the voluntary, community and faith networks, as well as through direct financial support.

The current round opened in April this year. Since then, the council has spent over £0.5m to support more than 2,500 local families to meet the cost of food over the school holidays and 180 households who needed help with essentials. I know that for many, the next few months will be even more challenging.

The recent government announcement that there is to be a ‘Household Support Fund phase six’ will help, but changes to the Winter Fuel Payment means that some residents on low incomes, or with limited savings, may find it difficult to cover their energy costs over the colder months. It has never been more important for those who qualify, to claim all the support they are entitled to. 

Pension Credit is a valuable benefit for anyone over state pension age who is on a low income. With an estimated 880,000 people missing out nationally, it is important that anyone who thinks they or a family member may be eligible, puts in a claim. Anyone who is entitled to Pension Credit for at least one day during the DWP’s Winter Fuel Payment qualifying week (16 to 22 September) will have automatic entitlement to Winter Fuel Payment.

Pension Credit can be claimed over the phone. It could also be the gateway to a range of valuable additional benefits, including reductions in energy bills, extra support when the temperature drops, free TV licences for those aged 75+ and continued receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment.

Even if you are not sure if you will be entitled, it is worth putting in a claim. Especially for those who are disabled or carers and might be entitled to additional amounts.

To check if you, or a family member may be entitled, please visit Pension Credit calculator - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or use a free benefit calculator to see what you may be entitled to Benefits calculators - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

There is more than financial help available in our area. The Bracknell Forest Community Map is a great place to find information on free or low cost activities in the borough. It caters for all interests and ages. In addition, the public health social prescribing team offers a range of activities as part of their ‘stay connected’ activity programme. This continues all year round and is a great resource for the upcoming autumn/winter months. Find out more about the community map and other public health supported activities on the public health portal: https://health.bracknell-forest.gov.uk.