Carlisle City Council has issued a roundup of all of its cost of living support services on offer to residents. 

In partnership with Cumbria County Council the city based council offers a number of different services that can help locals deal with monetary pressures.

Benefits may be provided to those who are on low income or are unemployed, carers, sick, or disabled.

Those who already receive benefits may also be entitled to an extra £650 from the government as well as support with paying council tax.

Carlisle City Council also offers advice through its specialist teams who can confirm entitlement to a variety of different benefits.

These advisors are based at the Civic Centre, in Carlisle but also offer appointments at ourtreach surgeries in Longtown and Brampton.

Financial support in the form of Armed Forces payments, pension credit and other external funding grants can be accessed throught the City Council.

The Council also offers support with energy bills, with connections to the governments Energy Bills Support Scheme and the Sustainable Warmth Cumbria scheme.

This Cumbrian scheme which can grant up £25,000 towards insulation and low carbon heating measure, can be offered to households with an income below £30,000 and low energy performance.

If you are struggling to feed yourself or your family, Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council have a number of support mechanisms.

These include free school meals and school clothing vouchers for eligible children and support for pregnant women.

A small fee can also give entitlement to one week's worth of food which can be selected by attending any local outlet.

A full list of these outlets is availble at: https://www.carlisle.gov.uk/news-and-events/cost-of-living-support

A number of foodbanks are also in operation in the local area, with these including Carlisle, Longtown and Brampton.

Carlisle City Council also offeres travel, through Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Cards, and housing support with a dedicated homelessness prevention team, domestic abuse support in partnership with Cumbria County Council, and it's warm spot project which provides a warm space at facilities across the county.

Health support in also available through the City Council's partnership with Age UK and Community Pharmacy First Service.