Havering Council is stepping up efforts to support residents through cost-of-living pressures with an expansion of the Emergency Assistance Scheme (EAS) and additional winter aid measures.
Building on last year’s ‘By Your Side’ campaign, the Council is extending its ‘Havering Helps’ initiative to provide broader access to financial assistance for those facing hardship, including vulnerable residents who will be affected by the axing of the national winter fuel payments.
The Council’s Emergency Assistance Scheme (EAS) has provided essential support to residents in urgent financial need, helping with basics such as food, heating, and household appliances.
Since its launch, EAS has aided many, especially during the pandemic, and continues to support pensioners, working-age adults, and households with disabilities.
Now, with the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) extension, the EAS will reach an even wider range of households.
Eligible residents, including those on welfare benefits, low-income households, or those facing emergency financial needs, may qualify for a one-time £100 payment.
Additionally, low-income households not receiving welfare benefits, such as families with children or couples without children—may qualify if their weekly income is below £673 or £442, respectively.
In addition to financial aid, Havering Council will also be extending local offers.
- Warm Spaces - The council will continue to offer a network of warm spaces across the borough, including libraries and community centers, where residents can access heated, welcoming environments free of charge.
- Energy Doctors Programme - The free Energy Doctors service will help residents reduce energy costs through expert advice and small home repairs, potentially saving households up to £209 annually.
- School Holiday Meal Schemes - The School Meal Holiday Scheme is extended until March 2025. This scheme provides £15 per eligible child each week during school holidays to help Havering families ensure their children have meals when school is out.
- Council Tax Support -The support provides a £50 credit to the Council Tax accounts of single parents who receive Council Tax Support, offering financial relief by automatically applying the credit to reduce their Council Tax balance.
- Additional Support Services - Benefits Checks will be available to ensure residents are receiving all the help to which they are entitled.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“Havering Council remains dedicated to helping our most vulnerable residents.
"We have streamlined the EAS which will help in reducing the number of applications residents need to make to apply for money, making it easier to get financial help.”
“This should also provide additional support to those older residents who will feel the impact of the soon-to-be scrapped winter fuel payments.
"I urge you to apply for money and support through our Havering Helps scheme.
“Havering Council will continue to work alongside its partners to ensure that residents can access the support they need.”
From April 2023, applications to the Emergency Assistance Scheme are limited to one every eight weeks, ensuring that the support reaches those with the greatest need.
Residents are encouraged to check the Havering Emergency Assistance Scheme Policy for full details on eligibility and excluded items.
Residents who need support with the cost of living should visit the Havering Helps web page, or contact us directly via email costoflivingresponse@havering.gov.uk, or call the Cost of Living helpline on 01708 432280.