Local Welfare Provision

Changes to the scheme

There have been some changes to the Local Welfare Provision scheme, please read the following information before contacting us.

Our Local Welfare Provision (LWP) scheme helps vulnerable people in short-term crisis with food and energy costs. The scheme intends to meet one off needs rather than ongoing expenses. It is purely discretionary, and you have no automatic right to the extra help.

You may be asked to supply proof of your income and expenditure depending on the nature of the request. This could be in the form of a bank statement or receipts for unavoidable expenses. Inappropriate or excessive spending may result in your request being refused.

We can help you with:

To be eligible for help:

  • You must have an entitlement to Council Tax Reduction and/or be registered for Council Tax at the property you are resident at. If you are not liable to pay Council Tax you must provide a legal tenancy agreement showing your residency.
  • You must be unable to meet the immediate needs of yourself or your family by any other means. For example:
    • budgeting advances, overdrafts, friends and family
  • You must have experienced a short term crisis that has meant additional expenditure. This could include:
    • a disaster/crisis such as fire or flood
    • fleeing domestic violence
    • moving into accommodation where you were previously homeless
    • exceptional travel expenses such as attending the funeral of a close relative
  • You must have not received an award under the Local Welfare Provision scheme within the last three months (however, recurring food parcels may be considered depending on nature/length of crisis)

We can give you information about:

Contact us

Get in touch if you or your family are in immediate need or hardship.

Further information

For further cost of living support, advice and information visit:

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