Thousands of households may qualify for £300 in winter energy assistance, courtesy of Blackpool Council’s Household Support Fund. Eligible households, including those with children, could receive £200 for one or two people or £300 for three or more individuals. To access this support, applicants must demonstrate financial hardship and provide recent bank statements for all household members.

Applicants do not need to be receiving Universal Credit or other benefits to apply for this fund, but they can only receive one award per year. The payment is directly credited to the energy provider and appears on the bill or pre-payment meter. Residents can apply through the Blackpool Council website. Other councils, like Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and City of York Council, are also offering various forms of financial support to eligible residents.

For instance, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is distributing free £120 vouchers to qualifying households, while City of York Council is providing one-off £100 payments to residents receiving council tax assistance. Portsmouth City Council is offering £150 to single-person households and £200 to couples or families meeting income criteria. Residents can check with their local council for available support options through the Household Support Fund.