There are a wide variety of support schemes and organisations in North Yorkshire which may be able to help or advise if you are struggling to pay for essentials.
The North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund (NYLAF) provides emergency financial support if you – or someone you know – is unable to meet essential living costs, such as energy bills or food. NYLAF can also make awards in kind, such as supplying basic necessities or household goods such as a fridge.
Warm and Well North Yorkshire can help with minor repairs to make homes warmer.
Our local council tax reduction and support scheme can help if you are on a low income or if you are claiming benefits
The government has published full details of the help and support available on its website and an online tool can help you find out what financial assistance you may be eligible for.
This includes advice relating to income, bills, childcare, housing costs and if you have own or run a business.
The team at Citizens Advice for North Yorkshire can also be contacted for support. Libraries are another source of advice with books and information on personal finance, budgeting and managing debt.
If you are of state pension age, you could be entitled to a pension top up. Many people are missing out on unclaimed pension credits and you may be able to access support, even if you have savings, own your own home or have a private pension. You can find out more on about eligibility and how to claim on the government’s website.
The North Yorkshire Home Efficiency Fund offers a range of fully funded energy-saving home improvements to eligible homeowners in our borough.
Properties could receive improvements including insulation, solar panels, air source heat pumps and high heat retention electric storage heaters. Your eligibility depends on the suitability of the property you live in and your financial circumstances.
You can also check if you are eligible for a Warm Homes Discount of £150 on the government website and Yorkshire Energy Doctor works with households to try and reduce energy costs and to ensure people can afford to live in a warm home.
The main foodbanks in the borough are at the Rainbow Centre in Scarborough and Whitby 4 Food. There are also many locally based community fridges (Filey, Eastfield and Hunmanby) and local groups and organisations are providing food, advice and other support.
A network of warm and welcoming spaces has been established across our borough with venues listed on our dedicated Warm and Welcome website.