Council expands cost of living support for vulnerable residents this winter

Councillor Sue Smith; Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of the council; and Councillor Rachel Massey.

Rochdale Council is taking proactive steps to support thousands of older residents, vulnerable individuals, and young families during the upcoming winter months.

At Tuesday (24 September) evening’s cabinet meeting, councillors approved a comprehensive package of measures aimed at assisting those in greatest need.

The council will use funding from the Household Support Fund, which has recently been extended by the government for an additional six months.

This new initiative is part of the council’s Helping Hand campaign, designed to ensure that residents have access to essential cost of living support.

The support package includes:

• Targeted assistance for low-income families, including food vouchers during school holidays
• Warm welcome spaces in libraries and community buildings
• Housing energy support to help reduce utility costs
• Continuation of the borough’s food network, which comprises 40 groups providing food banks, food clubs, and food pantries
• Supermarket vouchers for those in need
• Essential household items, including cookers, fridges, and other white goods

This food voucher support will specifically target over 14,000 children in the borough who are eligible for free school meals or have been identified through children’s services.

In addition, the council remains committed to collaborating with the voluntary sector, community groups, and charities to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need.

Further details regarding the council’s cost of living package and the amount of household support funding will be announced in the coming days.

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of the council, said: “It is crucial that we provide support to our older and vulnerable residents and young families this winter.

"Through our extensive assistance package and the government’s welcome extension of the Household Support Fund, we will make sure no one goes hungry or struggles to heat their home during the colder months.”

He added: “I encourage everyone to stay updated by following our channels, checking our webpage, or contacting our cost of living hotline for more information on the targeted funding and assistance available. I am proud to lead a socially responsible and progressive council that is dedicated to providing a safety net for those most in need.”

For more information on the council’s support package, please visit: www.rochdale.gov.uk/costofliving

Residents can also contact the cost of living hotline at 01706 923685, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.