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Welcome to this month’s edition of the Cost of Living Support newsletter where you can find
practical information and advice to support you with rising costs.
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encourage them to sign-up to the mailing list.
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Making sure everyone receives all the financial support they are entitled to
Residents across Cheshire West and Chester are being encouraged to check they aren’t missing out
on support they are eligible for, with help and advice available.
Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Legal, Cheshire West and Chester Council,
said: “Many people don’t realise they could be entitled to additional financial support. Our Welfare Team helps residents understand what they may be entitled to and supports them through the claims process,
ensuring they receive the help available to them.
“Whether you’ve received one of our Pension Credit letters or simply think your circumstances
may have changed, I’d encourage you to check what support may be available. Even a small increase in income can make a real difference.”
 Don’t
miss out on school holiday payments
Families who currently receive Free School Meals and need help with essential food costs during
the summer holidays can apply for support through the Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).
Applications are open but close on Monday, 31 August 2026. If successful, an award of £90 will be
given per eligible child.
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 Council
Tax relief for terminally ill people
Cheshire West and Chester Council are proud to commit to the Marie Curie initiative to provide more
financial support to our terminally ill residents through Council Tax exemptions.
You may qualify for the terminally ill discount if you, your partner, or a family member in your
household is terminally ill.
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 Crisis
and Resilience Fund
A new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) was launched from 1st April 2026
to replace the Household Support Fund (HSF). It
is there to help when people face a financial shock, including with Crisis Payments.
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The HELP scheme
The Council also offers discretionary support for vulnerable residents
facing crisis or emergency situations through our Help in Emergencies for Local People (HELP) scheme. This scheme can help with foodbank vouchers, emergency energy credit or refurbished furniture / white goods.
 Greater
Free School Meal eligibility from September
From September 2026, families who receive Universal Credit will qualify
for free school meals (FSM). Although
they will be automatically eligible, families will still need to apply to receive the FSM.
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 Make
use of the Benefits Calculator
The Council’s online benefits calculator tool is available to all residents.
You can use the calculator to check whether you are receiving all of the benefits and additional support you’re entitled to as well as eligibility for cheaper tariffs on household bills.
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Child Benefit when your child turns 16
If you’re not sure what happens with the Child Benefit you receive once they reach 16 you can find
out more and see if you are eligible for extended support.
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 Children’s
Free Bus Travel
There’s still time to make the most of the free bus travel for children
before it ends on 31 August.
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VAT cut on household electric bills
The government has announced that the standard 5% VAT on home electricity will be cut to 0% starting
1 October 2026. This should mean an average household saving of around £45. This will continue until 31 March 2027. Electricity suppliers are expected to pass the full VAT saving to customers, including those on fixed tariffs.
 Sign
up for the free Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme
Free HAF places are still available throughout the summer holidays for
children who are currently eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM).
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Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) changes from September 2026
From September eligibility for the HAF programme will be based on those on Targeted FSM eligibility
criteria only. If You Have Recently Applied for FSM under the new Government eligibility criteria and expect to qualify, this will not start until the new school term in September. You will be very welcome to join future HAF programmes at Christmas 2026, in
February half-term 2027 and Easter 2027 and Summer 2027.
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