From 1 April 2013 Calderdale Council is introducing a local Welfare Assistance scheme to help residents in times of emergency or disaster, and to help maintain independent living within the community.
The new localised scheme will replace Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants which were formerly managed by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Calderdale Council aims to provide support to those households with a genuine need. Support will be provided by awarding vouchers rather than cash for living expenses.
The scheme will be funded by Central Government. However, funding is limited, so the Council will monitor funds to ensure that support is being provided to those most vulnerable.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Pauline Nash, said:
“The impact of Welfare Reform will be far reaching and everyone will need to take responsibility for their household budget and to plan for the unexpected demands on their finances. The transfer of responsibility to local Councils from April 2013 to help households in emergency situations will give Calderdale an opportunity to consider how best we can deliver that help in the future.
“The Welfare Assistance scheme will be a safety net for people who find themselves in genuine need as a result of an emergency or disaster situation.”
More information can be found on our website at Local Welfare Assistance