Hard-hit households in Cornwall will benefit from a £9m hardship fund over the next year to help them with the cost-of-living crisis.

Cornwall Council say they have secured the money through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund (HSF).

The fund will primarily be used to provide one-off cash payments of:

• £160 to pensioners in receipt of pension credit and other vulnerable adults. Two payments of £80 will be made with the first payment being made between May and June 2023. A second payment will be made between October and November 2023. You do not need to apply.
• £160 per child to families with children eligible for benefits-related free school meals in Reception to Year 11. Two payments of £80 will be made with the first payment being made between May and June 2023. A second payment will be made between October and November 2023. This payment will be made directly to families and you do not need to apply.

The Council say the remaining money will be used by themselves and partner organisations such as Citizens Advice Cornwall, Disability Cornwall, Cornwall Carers Service, and Community Energy Plus to help support those most in need.

Previous rounds of HSF funding have already helped thousands of struggling residents and their families. For more information visit the HSF page on the Council's website.

People are also reminded that a range of support is available through other organisations and schemes, which can be found on the Council's Cost of Living support webpages.

This spans everything from debt advice and job-seeking to emergency food provision, council tax discounts and crisis grants for people who suddenly find themselves struggling.

Cllr Dr Andy Virr, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Public Health, said:

"The cost-of-living crisis continues to create huge uncertainty and anxiety for many of our residents so it is great that we have again managed to secure this significant funding to help as many as possible.

"Hopefully it will go some way to ensure pensioners and parents in particular can afford to pay their bills and put food on the table for their families.

"The money will also allow the Council and its partners to continue working hard to identify and help those most in need in Cornwall and I would urge people to check out the 'Cost of Living' webpages to find out what help they can receive and how to access it."

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, said:

"Previous rounds of HSF funding have provided a much-needed boost to many families on low incomes so I am pleased we have secured an equivalent amount for the next 12 months.

"As a Council we are committed to helping anyone who finds themselves in financial hardship and have pledged to work even more closely with other organisations, businesses, community groups and charities to share knowledge, experience and resource. Only by working together can we help people through this crisis."

Residents are also reminded that there is a wealth of support available for anyone struggling with their mental health. Visit: mental health support pages.

If you are worried about your own or someone else's mental health call the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 24/7 NHS mental health response line on 0800 038 5300. It's free to access by anyone, any age, any time, day or night.