Residents struggling with cost of living urged to get in touch to get the help they need.
Shropshire Council is encouraging residents who are struggling with their cost-of-living to contact the council to get the help and support they need. A wide range of help is available for anyone worried about the rising cost of living, with support on offer for everything from emergency financial assistance and housing costs to council tax, benefits, blue badges and other essential services.
This includes the Crisis and Resilience Fund, funded by the UK Government through the Department for Work and Pensions, which helps people facing financial hardship. Through the fund, residents may be able to access crisis payments, housing payments and support with heating oil and other essential living costs. The fund is designed to support people experiencing immediate pressure on household finances, including those affected by unexpected changes in income or sudden unavoidable expenses.
Shropshire Council is also working closely with a range of trusted partners, including Community Resource, Marches Energy Advice, Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin, and Citizens Advice Shropshire and other local organisations, to make sure residents can access the advice, support and guidance they need. Together, these organisations are helping people to maximise their income, manage bills, get budgeting support, and find practical help tailored to their individual circumstances.
While the Crisis and Resilience Fund is funded by the UK Government, Shropshire Council also independently provides a broad range of support to help residents manage financially. This includes Council Tax support, benefits advice, Blue Badges, help with housing, and access to a range of other council services that can make a real difference to individuals and families who are struggling.
Councillor Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:
“We know that many people across Shropshire are continuing to feel the pressure of rising household costs, and we want residents to know that help is available.
“The truth is that far too many people simply don’t know how we can help – and how easy it is to contact us and apply for support. That’s why we’ve brought everything together in one place on our web pages.
“Whether you need urgent financial support, help with housing costs, advice about your benefits, or assistance accessing other council services, get in touch and see what support we can give you. Please don’t wait to ask for help – we’re here for you. Just visit our website, call us on 0345 678 9012 (Option 0), or pop into Shropshire Local to talk face to face.”
Anna Brennand, Chief Executive of Marches Energy Advice, added:
“We know many people are struggling with energy debts and the high cost of heating and cooling their homes. As an independent charity, our team of friendly Energy Advisors are here to help Shropshire residents with impartial advice, practical support and a range of grants. We are proud to be part of the Shropshire Council-led Crisis and Resilience Fund partnership.”
Jackie Jeffrey, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Shropshire, added:
“No one should have to face a financial crisis alone. The Crisis and Resilience Fund will enable us to work alongside trusted local partners to provide timely advice and support to people experiencing financial shocks, helping them navigate difficult circumstances and build greater financial resilience. Together, we can create stronger communities where people have the tools, confidence and support they need to overcome challenges and thrive.”
Robert Smith, Quality & Performance Director of Age UK Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, added:
“We encourage all people of pension age to have a benefits check with Age UK. Up to £3 billion in state support goes unclaimed by older people in the UK each year and we remain committed to ensure that older people receive what they are entitled to.”
Beverley Baxter, Chief Executive of Community Resource, added:
“Households across Shropshire continue to face significant pressure from the rising cost of living, particularly when it comes to fuel and energy costs. By working together with Shropshire Council and partners, we’re helping people access both immediate support and practical advice, giving them the confidence and tools they need to navigate difficult times.
“Our aim is not only to provide help when it’s needed most, but also to support people to build resilience, improve their long-term financial wellbeing and feel more secure in the future.”
How residents can access cost-of-living support:
Visit the website: Cost of living help | Shropshire Council
Residents who cannot access the website may call 0345 678 9012 (Option 0) (lines are open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday).
To speed up the application process, and get help as quickly as possible, residents are asked to make sure they have the following to hand before contacting:
- Proof of address (such as a utility bill or driving licence)
- Recent bank statements (for all accounts)
- Identification (such as driving licence or passport)
Residents can talk face to face and apply with the help of our trained advisors at one of our Shropshire Local hubs in Shrewsbury & Ludlow, or out and about as part of Shropshire Local Mobile: Shropshire Local – Shrewsbury | Shropshire Council
