Nearly £2 million in extra support set aside for Reading families struggling with bills this winter
Applications for increased cost of living payments and support services open in November
People in Reading facing financial pressure this winter will have access to extra support after new funding was confirmed for the town’s Household Support Fund scheme.
Reading Borough Council has received nearly £2 million from the Government to help local households meet rising costs for essentials like energy bills, housing, food, and clothing.
More help available for cost of living challenges
This winter, the council is offering a £150 payment to eligible households as part of the scheme’s second round of cost of living support. This is £50 higher than the previous round, which provided £100 payments to successful applicants.
Applications for the increased payment will be open from 3rd November 2025, with eligibility based on means tested benefits or related state support such as Personal Independence Payment. Those not on benefits but struggling with expenses can also apply and will be assessed on their income, spending and savings.
Voluntary groups and council services to receive extra support
Reading’s voluntary and community sector will also benefit from the additional funding, boosting organisations that provide food banks, pantries, food surplus distribution, and hot meals. Funding for groups that run activities and warm spaces for people over 50 will be doubled, while Reading Welfare Rights will offer extra advice on welfare benefits and advocacy from November 2025 to March 2026.
The Council’s own Money Advice Team is receiving extra capacity to support more residents facing financial difficulties, especially those behind on rent or council tax. The move is designed to help families secure long-term financial stability and avoid enforcement action.
Councillor Liz Terry, Reading Borough Council Leader, said:
“Reading’s updated Household Support Fund scheme will have a particular focus on ensuring residents are getting the right advice to help them maximise their income this winter, and ensuring that where there are issues the Council intervenes at an early stage to provide the necessary guidance.
“As well as increasing payments for the second round of cost of living applications, which opens in November, the Council is also directing additional funding to groups who deliver local food banks and organisations who provide activities and warm places for over 50’s
“We want to ensure the Government’s Household Support Fund reaches those residents and communities who require our support this winter and believe our local scheme will make a difference to households in Reading.”
Reading’s scheme has already made a difference, with just over 3,100 vouchers worth £125 sent to pupils eligible for Free School Meals, 203 vouchers for care leavers, and over 1,700 successful cost of living payment applications. Local voluntary groups have received £70,000, and £35,000 was handed out for school uniforms and winter clothing. In September, a pilot scheme began to target extra help for two-year-olds in early years settings.
Residents can check eligibility and apply for support online from 3rd November on the council website.