Warrington Local Support Scheme

Residents of Warrington, or even people moving to the town, can seek a grant from the Local Support Scheme, which is the replacement to national welfare or the social fund. The aim is to help people on a low income that are in crisis or facing a disaster, and the scheme will provide vouchers for household expenses or items.

The funding is very limited as it relies on annual allotments, so the council not not provide cash but instead the good themselves are offered (such as essential furniture or heating appliances) or they may instead offer referrals or work directly with the applicants supplier. This is what occurs when people need food, as the council will provide voucher for a local Warrington foodbank, and utility needs are also very similar. For people that are eligible, they will be given a pre-paid card to pay for energy bill arrears at the post office.

All assistance is at the discretion of the council, and there are eligibility criteria. People applying for Local Support need to be on a low income and facing exceptional pressure. They also need to be over the age of 16 and have applied for financial help from other schemes or benefits first. The welfare programme in Warrington is also a last resort for those with no other resources available to them.

This scheme was created to be a replacement to the central government social fund and the loans or Community Care Grants that were provided from it. When local welfare was created, there was less funding given to it then it had in the past, so fewer people can receive financial help and what is provided to them will also be reduced. Support may be offered for some or all of the following.

Food parcels may be provided by the council directly, or they will offer a voucher to a local distribution centre. Anyone facing hunger also should seek help from the Warrington Trussell Trust food bank first, and proof of this having been done will be required when applying to the council.

Vulnerable people facing a disconnection of their heat or gas can receive a utility card. This can be used at the post office to help ensure there is some source of fuel. This grant will only be a short term solution though for any arrears on energy bills. Local Support may also provide a heating appliance to clients.

Furniture and household appliances may be provided. This can include bed, essential furniture for the home, baby nappies, or cooking supplies and appliances. This form of help is usually for people that are resettling or that need assistance to remain in their own homes.

The Warrington Local Support Scheme may also address clothing needs. This will mostly be for expectant mothers and babies or people seeking a job.

Any awards are at the discretion of the council, and if someone’s claim is denied, another component of Local Support Scheme is referrals to other agencies in Warrington. The council and its partners will try to find some other solution to the hardship being faced by the family.

To make a claim to the council for a grant from Local Support Scheme, residents can only apply at most three times per twelve months. Applications need to be done online, and if someone does not have a computer, there is free internet access at libraries or the Warrington Neighborhood Hubs, or people can stop by the council office too. The address is Time Square, 23-25 Bank Street, Warrington WA1 2AR, and telephone number is 01925 443210.