Hot TOPICS 
Electric Boost for those in Need
(July 20, 2020)Help is on hand for Warminster residents reliant on pre-payment meters finfing themselves placed in a financial hard place by the continual problems of being furloughed, forced to self isolate, cuts in hours employed, and other social troubles .
Many do not know that they can get nearly a £100 voucher towards one of their basic costs of living.
Wiltshire Council has access to funds for two more months to help those who meet the means test set by the government.
‘Our Warm and Safe Wiltshire advice service has funding to provide gas and electricity vouchers for households across Wiltshire who use pre-payment meters to manage their energy,’ explained a council employee in a weekly newsletter e-mail.
‘This funding expires on 15 September 2020 so act fast to ensure residents do not miss out.’
“As previously reported in a hot topic the local foodbank have seen a big rise in requests for help and this latest reminder of more assistance could not have come at a better time,” said Paul Macdonald.
Locals who can be helped fall into two specific categories of those who have suffered the effects of being reliant on topping up by card or key and can show hardship ‘socially or economically’.
Those families who are also at risk of disconnection because they are struggling with their spending commitments.
‘Then our Warm and Safe Wiltshire advice service can support them,’ explains the council spokesperson.
‘Every eligible household can receive £98 with the possibility of a further £49 if they are in particular hardship.’
All those applying would be expected to speak to an energy advisor who can offer advice about budgeting, energy efficiency and income maximisation.
“I hope that this will not discourage any one from applying but we need to spread the message at these difficult times that this help is available,” said Paul.
“Many in this situation know full well how to budget, about having showers not baths, and the ‘councilspeak income maximisation’."
The means of contact are:
www.warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk/contact
Or Warm and Safe Wiltshire on 0800 038 5722 or by visiting www.warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk/contact