Extra cash available to help Central Bedfordshire residents facing financial crisis
Additional support is now available through Central Bedfordshire Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund for residents on a low income.
And from today (April 1), residents experiencing a financial crisis or sudden financial hardship can apply for support through the fund.
The fund provides short-term financial support to help with essential costs following a sudden change in circumstances, such as a loss of income, an unexpected bill or another emergency situation.
Central Bedfordshire Council has been allocated £2.7 million by the UK Government to provide this support up to April 2027. Initial support was introduced in March for low-income residents who use oil to heat their homes and who were affected by rising oil costs.
Cllr John Baker, executive member for finance, said: “Many households on lower incomes are already managing tight budgets, with little or no financial buffer. When a sudden financial shock occurs, it can quickly push people into a position where they are struggling to afford the basics.
“The launch of the full Crisis and Resilience Fund is an important step in how we support residents facing that kind of pressure. We have already been able to move quickly to provide targeted support for households affected by rising heating oil costs, and this wider phase now allows us to support residents facing a broader range of financial challenges.
“This support is targeted at those in the most urgent need, where people are at risk of not being able to afford essential items such as food, heating or other everyday costs. It’s designed to provide practical, short-term support at the point it is most needed, helping to prevent situations from escalating further.”
Residents can apply for a crisis payment through the council’s website, with each application assessed individually against eligibility criteria.