Emergency funding available for residents struggling financially due to COVID-19 pandemic

Emergency funding is available to residents in the East Riding whose income has been reduced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Government has made a limited amount of money available to help people with essential items, such as food an essential living items and it can be used to pay utility bills and some travel costs.

The emergency assistance scheme can be accessed by who have had a reduction in income of at least 20% due to Coronavirus, and where there is no alternative means of meeting their financial need, including help from universal credit and other benefits.

Councillor Lyn Healing, portfolio holder for community involvement and council corporate services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "We understand that Covid-19 has had a considerable effect on people's finances and some people require urgent assistance to help with food and essentials in a time of crisis

"The council already operates an emergency assistance scheme, where we support residents who have had an interruption to their income and need financial help.

"We have now been given funding from the Government to operate another similar scheme, specifically to help residents who have had a reduction in their income caused directly by Covid-19 and need help with food, gas and electricity bills, household items and travel costs.

"Anybody who thinks they are eligible, should make contact with the council to discuss their circumstances."

Emergency assistance may be awarded to an applicant who is aged over 16, has their main residence within the East Riding of Yorkshire Council boundary and does not have the resources to meet their or their family's immediate short-term needs

To apply or for further information including terms and conditions, visit

www.eastriding.gov.uk/living/emergency-assistance or call (01482) 393939.