08.03.23 – Cost of Living Support in Newcastle under Lyme, Home Modification Grant Funding NUL

Financial support and practical advice for people facing the cost of living crisis will continue in the coming year in Newcastle under Lyme

The Borough Council is preparing to distribute around £212,000 in 2023/24 to eligible residents as part of the Council Tax Support Fund.

And at the same time the authority is preparing to award a £210,000 three-year contract offering residents debt and benefit advice services at locations in Kidsgrove and Newcastle.

Stephen Sweeney, Deputy Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Cabinet member for Finance, Town Centres and Growth, said: “We are all very aware that rising inflation and increasing fuel and energy prices have affected many households this winter and that the effects of that will continue to be felt.

___________________________________________________________

From next month Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council will be responsible for a £1.7 million grant fund to help eligible people physically modify their homes following an accident or illness, or to deal with problems arising from a degenerative condition.

Up to £30,000 a time will be spent on adapting properties to help eligible residents stay longer in their own homes.

Work could include replacing baths with easy-access showers, installing access ramps to properties with steps, improving wheelchair accessibility inside homes, or fitting stairlifts or through-floor lifts.

Gill Heesom, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Community Safety and Wellbeing, said: “Most people want to carry on living in their own home for as long as possible and, where appropriate, we want to help them do that.