An emergency assistance scheme is being expanded by Havering Council with extra winter aid measures to help people through the cost-of-living crisis.

It is aimed at giving a helping hand to anyone facing hardship, particularly those hit by the axing of the national winter fuel payments. 

The scheme, which started during the Covid pandemic, has already helped people in need with basics such as food, heating and household appliances.

Now it is dipping into the government’s Household Support Fund to extend support for pensioners, working-age adults and households with disabilities.

“We have streamlined the scheme to make it easier to get financial help,” Havering Council leader Ray Morgon said. “This reduces the number of applications that our most vulnerable residents need to make. We want to ensure people get the support they need.” 

Anyone on welfare benefits, low-income or facing financial needs can qualify for a one-time £100 payment.

This now includes low-income households that do not get welfare benefits, families with children whose weekly income is below £673 or couples without children whose weekly income is less than £442. 

The council is also extending its “warm spaces” programme in libraries and community centres for people to get together and keep home heating to a minimum. 

“This supports older people feeling the impact of the soon-to-be scrapped winter fuel payments to get any help they need,” Cllr Morgon adds. 

The council’s free energy doctors service is on tap to help households reduce energy costs with advice and some home repairs. 

Applications for emergency assistance up until now had been limited to one every eight weeks to ensure that “support reaches those with the greatest need”.

Other measures include school holiday meals extended to March with £15 a week for each child that is eligible, to make sure they have food when school is out. 

A Council Tax support scheme is also giving £50 credit to single parents on benefits which is being applied automatically to reduce their tax balance. 

Anyone needing help with the cost-of-living is being urged to call the council’s helpline on 01708 432280, or go on the Havering Helps page on its website or email costoflivingresponse@havering.gov.uk.