Rotherham residents facing hardship with energy bills this winter could receive payments of up to £250 per household.
Rotherham Council has initiated its Energy Crisis Support Scheme, allocating £500,000 to assist residents in managing their energy costs.
Eligibility requires residents to demonstrate remaining funds of £150 or less per month after covering essential housing, food, and utility expenses. The scheme is open to all ages and individuals, irrespective of benefit receipt.
Council Leader Chris Read stated that over 3,000 residents benefited from the scheme in the previous year.
He noted, “While energy bill costs are no longer dramatically increasing, we understand that many individuals continue to face significant challenges with gas and electricity expenses.”
“If you find yourself in this situation and are unsure where to seek help, these funds are available to provide support.”
The financial assistance in Rotherham complements national initiatives such as the £150 Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment.
The BBC reached out to other South Yorkshire councils to inquire about potential additional support beyond national programs this winter.
Sheffield City Council affirmed its commitment to “collaborating with community partners to ensure residents can access necessary aid.”
“The Household Support Fund remains accessible to those struggling with essential needs such as food and fuel,” the council stated.
Sheffield-based charity, Link Community Hub, provides guidance and support to individuals “disadvantaged by poverty, deprivation, and challenging circumstances.”
Manager Helen Eadon emphasized, “Any initiative that aids individuals with their utility expenses is essential.”
“The Rotherham scheme appears highly beneficial due to its inclusive criteria.”
“The criteria of other schemes, such as requiring benefit receipt, often exclude many individuals who genuinely require assistance.”
“Working individuals frequently seek our support for food and are not receiving benefits that unlock access to other forms of aid, leaving them in a difficult situation.”
Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
Members of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) and counter-protestors gathered on Saturday.
The 63-year-old man was hit by a white Iveco lorry in Stocksbridge.
How much Yorkshire news can you remember from the past seven days?
Police are appealing for passengers on the tram which struck the man to speak to them.
The Limit hosted acts such as The Human League and Def Leppard from 1978 to 1991.