CUMBRIA county council has provided financial support to more than 35,000 people as the cost-of-living crisis takes hold.

The figure which represents around 7% of the Cumbrian population, refers to the number of people who have received support through the Household Support Fund between March and September 2022.

The Fund supported vunerable households in being able to meet daily needs such as food, clothing and utilities. 

In total, the county council provided small grants to 7886 pensioners, 7744 households with children, and 2259 other households through their dedicated welfare support helpline.

An additional 700 pensioners were helped through grants that were provided to local carers associations. 

14,600 free school meal vouchers were also distributed to Cumbrian school children, to ensure they had enough food during the summer holidays.

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Cllr Deborah Earl, cabinet member for public health and community services reflected on the successes of the fund but was realisitic about how these successes reflected on the cost-of-living crisis in Cumbria

She said: "I’m incredibly proud of how hard our exceptional staff have worked to make sure this many people received the financial support they needed to get them through the last few months.

"Unfortunately, these figures show that thousands of Cumbrians are in dire need of additional support and are really struggling to make ends meet."

Ms Earl also spoke about how the county council is working to extend the Fund but has not received full confrimation of this yet.

In the meantime, she issued advice for those struggling with the ongoing crisis.

She said: "For now, I urge every single Cumbrian struggling to buy food, pay their bills or heat their home, to submit an online application for additional support through the county council’s website. 

"If we can’t provide you with financial support from the Household Support Fund, we will be able to signpost you to the support that’s right for you and your individual circumstances."

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