Cost of Living Support

Discretionary Housing Payments

This is a fund that South Cambridgeshire District Council has which supports residents on Universal Credit or Housing Benefit with housing costs. The Council can award this to residents whose housing costs are not fully met by benefits, or where household costs are high, and they are in exceptional hardship. The Council is planning to add an extra £100,000 to this fund to use it to support more people. Residents can read the full eligibility criteria and find out how to apply at www.scambs.gov.uk/dhp or email benefits@scambs.gov.uk or call (01954) 713 000 if they have questions.

Discretionary Council Tax Discounts

This is a fund that South Cambridgeshire District Council operates in order to support people who are not eligible for the Local Council Tax Support scheme but are in extreme hardship. If you qualify, the Council may be able to offer you a discount to help make your Council Tax instalments more affordable. Currently, the main qualifying criteria are that residents are in financial hardship; they have tried to improve the situation before applying and have no assets or savings. Residents can read the full eligibility criteria and find out how to apply at www.scambs.gov.uk/reductions-discounts or email revenues@scambs.gov.uk or call (01954) 713 000 if they have a question.

Charitable Giving

South Cambridgeshire District Council is proposing to establish a grant fund which will be used to provide lower cost options for cooking and staying warm, such as slow cookers and electric blankets to those in need. Residents and businesses who are financially able will be welcome to contribute towards this charitable fund if they choose. The Council will allocate £15,000 to the fund to get it up and running. Criteria will be created to ensure the most vulnerable families and those just about managing can access support. In the coming weeks, residents will be able to visit www.scambs.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support to find out more and to donate, if they are able.

Community Chest

South Cambridgeshire District Council’s popular Community Chest fund provides grants to voluntary and community sector groups, charities and public sector bodies wishing to further improve quality of life locally. Recently, the criteria were amended to allow bids that include contributions for any project that has a positive impact for communities related to the cost of living crisis. Parish and town councils can also now bid for Community Chest grants linked to this cause. Please visit www.scambs.gov.uk/communitychest for more details, or email Community.Chest@scambs.gov.uk.

Susan van de Ven