Struggling families in Staffordshire to receive £8 million help

Struggling households in Staffordshire could be in line for help with the cost of energy bills, food and other essential items through a new £8 million fund.

A new crisis and resilience fund will ensure eligible households receive the help they need, which also includes food, white goods, childcare and transport costs, as well as clothing.

The council will receive the money from central government over the next three years.

The aim is to focus on early intervention, providing advice and support alongside crisis payments.

Councillor Nick Lakin, cabinet member for children and young people at Staffordshire County Council, said the fund would allow the council to provide more targeted and joined-up local support to those who needed it most, while also helping people build longer-term financial stability.

“This very much focuses on supporting payments for urgent essentials such as food or fuel bills while people get back on their feet, rather than ongoing financial help,” he said.

“With fuel prices soaring in recent months, help is available to those generally on low incomes who are struggling with the cost of energy bills.”

Families can be referred for crisis payments by professional referral through approved services, or through the one-to-one financial wellbeing coaching service.