Winter support planned for vulnerable residents

A Surrey council is poised to set aside £150,000 to support its most vulnerable residents through the winter months.

Tandridge District Council plans to run its winter support scheme for another year, giving eligible residents money to help with essentials and bills.

Councillors on the strategy and resources committee are due to consider the proposals this week, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"Each past scheme has helped nearly 500 households," a report issued ahead of Thursday's meeting says.

Those applying for the support must be a householder aged 16 or over, have their primary residence in the Tandridge District Council area and be struggling to meet their essential short-term needs.

Several categories of residents will be prioritised for aid, including those with dependent children, those with disabilities, pensioners, carers, those at risk of homelessness and victims of domestic abuse.

Council officers will assess any application for support and decide on each case based on "local economic factors and arrangements in place with other agencies".

The report adds the scheme will be fully funded by Tandridge District Council using allocated funds.

Applications would open on 9 November if the renewed programme is approved.

"Awards will not normally exceed £150 for households without children and £250 for households containing children," the report adds.

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