Wilmslow Town Council has pledged financial support towards the 'Home Energy Support Fund' which is organised by Citizens Advice Cheshire North, who are funded with an annual grant from Wilmslow Town Council to provide a free confidential advice service.
The Home Energy Support Fund uses funds made available through Cheshire East Council and added to by local people making voluntary donations through the HESF JustGiving page. Wilmslow Town Councillors have pledged make a payment of £10,000 to the Fund in April 2023.
Aimed to help the most vulnerable members of our community who are struggling to afford to heat their homes, Citizens Advice Cheshire North hope the Home Energy Support Fund will enable people who are having difficulty paying for their domestic fuel to put their heating on, through the provision of vouchers or a bank transfer directly to their energy company.
Wilmslow Town Council Chairman, Frank McCarthy, said, "Wilmslow Town Council is pleased to be able to contribute towards a fund that, at a time when finances are under strain for many, will make a big difference to local residents who need help. I would like to thank Councillor Martin Watkins for making the initial proposal, and my fellow Councillors for supporting the idea.
"We encourage local residents and organisations to contribute to the fund if they are able to. Equally, if members of the community are struggling with their energy bills, please see if you qualify for support and seek advice to make this tough time a little easier."
Jill Walsh, scheme co-ordinator, said, "Since the fund opened in December, we have had a steady flow of people needing help. The Home Energy Support Fund started in early November 2022 and has already had over 50 applications, with the expectation that these will only increase as more people become aware of its existence.
"This Winter will be especially difficult for local people as everyone will see their fuel bills increasing, some by 300% to 400%. The support of Wilmslow Town Council will ensure we can support more people well into 2023. If we are to continue supporting local people, it is important that we get the donations into the fund; Wilmslow Town Council are really leading the way."
