RESIDENTS can apply now for food and fuel vouchers after the government announced its Household Support Fund scheme had been extended.

Vouchers will be given out to applicants from eligible households on a first-come-first-basis.

Across the conurbation applications will be managed by Citizens Advice BCP.

Councillor Jane Kelly, BCP Council’s lead member for communities, said: “We are delighted by the extension to the Household Support Fund scheme, which has helped thousands of households to afford essential items since its launch in 2021.

“We thank our partners for their tireless work over the past few years to support communities with the rise in the cost of living and we continue to encourage anyone who is struggling financially to reach out for help. There is support in place to help you and your family.”

During the last winter’s phase of the Household Support Fund, which ran from October 2021 to March 2022, Citizens Advice BCP supported 9,166 households with access to community food providers, vouchers and help with keeping warm.

Citizens Advice BCP also offers free guidance on a range of topics via its Adviceline service at 0808 2787 939 and its Community Advice Vehicle, which provides a mobile outreach service and regular visits in neighbourhoods.

Applications for vouchers can be made on the Citizens Advice BCP website. Only one person can apply per household and the voucher will be sent to the named applicant or an individual named by them to accept on their behalf.