How families can get crisis support to heat homes

A crisis fund supporting families who struggle to afford to heat their homes and buy food can now be accessed online.

Somerset Council has been given more than £20m by the Department for Work and Pensions to spend over three years, which struggling families can access through the Citizens Advice website.

The Crisis Resilience Fund includes money specifically for those reliant on oil to heat their homes in Somerset.

Somerset councillor Heather Shearer said: "One thing the Crisis Resilience Fund wants us to do is not just support people in crisis, it also wants us to work in our community, give more strength and support for the organisations who already support our families."

The council received £22.66m in funding, with an additional £1.2m to spend on heating oil.

Shearer said a previous fund, called the Household Support Fund, would be given to the council in six-month batches, but this new fund is guaranteed for use over the next three years.

The money will be shared out via Citizens Advice Somerset, with a new system in place to allow families to apply directly through its website.

The council said a pot of money would be made available for families who need immediate financial support, which will be delivered through a cash-first approachto "ensure dignity and choice".

It comes as heating oil prices have risen due to the Iran war, with MPs calling on the government to help.

Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke has called for more help for rural communities amid risks people "will not be able to afford to heat their homes".

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she recognised that households who use heating oil faced "unique challenges" and promised to discuss an action plan.

The crisis funding will also help to pay for support services, including debt advice, budgeting guidance and employment advice, which are offered by Citizens Advice Somerset.

Angela Kerr, CEO of Citizens Advice Somerset, said: "Combining crisis payments with preventative and wraparound support will make a real difference."

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