Full Breakdown
Tandridge District Council Proposes £150,000 Winter Support Scheme
By Drooid · · How we work
Scheme Overview and Objectives
Tandridge District Council in Surrey is set to allocate £150,000 to extend its winter support scheme for an additional year. The programme aims to provide short-term financial assistance to residents who are struggling to meet essential needs such as heating, food, and utility bills during the winter months.
Eligibility Criteria and Benefit Levels
Applicants must be householders aged 16 or over with a primary residence within the Tandridge district. Priority will be given to households with dependent children, individuals with disabilities, pensioners, carers, those at risk of homelessness, and victims of domestic abuse. Council officers will assess each application against local economic conditions and existing arrangements with partner agencies. The scheme caps assistance at £150 for households without children and £250 for households that include children.
Funding Source and Expected Reach
The entire £150,000 budget will be drawn from council-allocated funds, according to a report prepared for the strategy and resources committee. The council’s previous winter schemes have supported nearly 500 households each year, suggesting a similar scale of impact if the renewed programme proceeds.
Timeline and Approval Process
The council’s strategy and resources committee is scheduled to consider the proposal this week. Should the committee approve the plan, applications will open on November 9. The council will then begin processing requests and disbursing awards throughout the winter period.
Anticipated Impact on Vulnerable Residents
By targeting the most at-risk groups, the scheme is intended to mitigate the immediate financial pressures faced by low-income households during colder months. Officials note that timely assistance can help prevent escalation to more severe outcomes such as homelessness or health crises, thereby reducing demand on emergency services and other social support systems.