Top-up existing benefits
Cost of Living Support Fund (COLSF):
The Council is aware that the cost of living crisis is causing hardship to residents who are unable to improve their circumstances in the short term while inflation outstrips income. A cost of living crisis fund was set up in the 2023 financial year to support Uttlesford residents who may be struggling to pay their 2023 or 2024 Council Tax bill.
Exceptional Hardship Fund (EHF):
This fund has been set up to support our most vulnerable customers who have seen a reduction in the Government support which helped to pay their Council Tax Liability or for those who are suffering financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances.
Exceptional Hardship Fund (EHF) support payments are set up to provide short term relief and therefore should not be seen as a long term solution to debt problems.
Exceptional Hardship Fund (EHF)
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP):
Uttlesford District Council is given a sum of money each year to help people who are in receipt of Housing Benefit or the Housing Element of Universal Credit and appear to require further financial assistance in order to meet housing costs, shortfall and arrears.