Residents supported to apply for all benefits they’re eligible for

A report indicating financial pressures among York residents reveals the level of need facing the council’s welfare benefit resources and how it plans to support those households.

In July 2024, 2,700 households, including 1,844 children were shown to be in relative poverty.

A range of local welfare support for residents includes the York Financial Assistance Scheme (YFAS), Council Tax Support and Discretionary Housing Payments as well as a food and fuel voucher scheme.

A measure of need in the city is the York Financial Assistance Scheme (YFAS). In 2023/24, it received 1,223 applications for help and the average award value has risen from £499 in 2022/23 to £635 in 2023/24. This is due to the level of need facing applicants and an increase in the cost of the items provided such as flooring which helps manage energy costs.

To ensure the council can continue to provide emergency support to the end of the 2024/25 financial year, residents can apply to YFAS once a year.

Cllr Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance and Major Projects, said: “Far too many people in York are struggling to afford to live. We cannot fix the entire system but we can work to ensure that our resources are directed to those who need them most.

“While I welcome the extension of the Household Support Fund up until March 2025, we have much to do to support residents with the continued pressures of the high cost of living. We’re writing to eligible residents and urging others to apply for Pension Credit. This could put £100s of extra a month individually in their pockets, totalling an additional £1.3m across York, while also unlocking benefits including automatic payment of the Winter Fuel Payment.

“It was good to hear from council officers the plans they are making to support those who may just miss out on Pension Credit but still face difficult choices this winter between heating and eating.

“We’re also continuing our Talk Money campaigns to encourage people to get all they’re entitled to, find out how to reduce costs and get good advice. The next campaign will be from 4-15 November when we’ll be encouraging applications for Council Tax Support and Attendance Allowance.”

Cllr Bob Webb, Executive Member with joint responsibility for financial inclusion, said: “York households and families face more expensive daily lives than ever before. To give them a more secure financial footing, council services have collaborated and adapted to meet the increased needs and challenges facing residents, alongside the council’s own budgetary constraints.

“In close partnership with voluntary and community organisations, we continue to co-ordinate and make the best use of the resources to effectively support residents.”

To find out more about what support you could apply for, check which benefits you could get  or visit www.livewellyork.co.uk/TalkMoney .

The full report can be read here: Agenda for Decision Session - Executive Members for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion on Thursday, 19 September 2024, 10.00 am (york.gov.uk)