There is a debt and welfare team within the council who provide advice and support to Slough residents.
The team deal with enquiries from residents, members and colleagues using a referral process via email for debt advice, welfare and financial support.
They also implement government initiatives such as the Household Support Fund (HSF) to minimise the impact of the cost of living and fuel increases to local residents.
From 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, the team provided 2,397 residents with debt and welfare assistance, and 1,739 residents received support through the HSF.
Additionally, 6,000 households entitled to free school meals have been given vouchers through the HSF fund during the holidays.
Councillor Wal Chahal, deputy leader and lead member for financial oversight, council assets, procurement and revenue and benefits, said: “The team is experienced in debt, welfare, and income maximisation advice and support.
“They can assist with identifying the level of support and can work with residents to contact and negotiate with their creditors, helping them to make reasonable, affordable repayments of debt.
“Where customers are vulnerable, they will help to complete welfare benefit forms to maximise income, signposting to relevant agencies and departments as necessary.”
The HSF is available until 31 March 2024 and residents are invited to make an application if they are financially struggling.
The team cannot issue cash, but can provide support with supermarket food vouchers, vouchers for essential goods and energy vouchers for gas and electric. In some circumstances, they can also look at housing costs, but in a limited capacity and only where all other housing schemes have failed.
For the HSF, only one award can be made within a six-month period. If support is still needed after this, residents need to reapply.
To find out more about the scheme, and the support available, visit the HSF webpage.
Residents can get in touch directly, and external agencies can refer cases who would benefit from the advice and support, by emailing _incomeboost@slough.gov.uk
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