The COVID Winter Support Grants funded by Central Government via the borough Council started in 2020, these were renamed as COVID Local Support Grants in 2021 and finally the Household Support Fund from 2022 onwards. From the beginning we delivered the gas and electricity element, which we continue to deliver today to residents in the BB1 postcode of Blackburn, with other partners covering BB2 and BB3. The fund aims to help with the rising cost of living and for those struggling to make ends meet. It focuses on low income, working households and those on income related benefits that met the criteria.

The partnerships we have developed over previous years have been strengthened through continued good communication and teamwork, which has resulted in a seamless service for clients helping to build dignity into the process at a time when some have feelings of shame and embarrassment.

Thank you so much, this support will help clear the debt on my gas account that has been worrying me for weeks – Pensioner, Little Harwood area.

This will make such a difference, thank you, I don’t get my benefits for another week, and we’ll now be able to keep warm – Family, Shadsworth