£4 Million Lifeline

Thousands of households in the South Wales area are set to receive much-needed financial assistance. The Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council has approved a substantial spending package of more than £4 million to help residents cope with the rising cost of living.

Financial Support

The centerpiece of this initiative is a one-time payment of £125, which will be distributed to eligible families. This payment is designed to provide relief to households with one or more school-age children. It's worth noting that this assistance extends to families who homeschool their children and those who attend schools outside the area. Approximately 22,000 families are expected to qualify for this support.

Support for Council Employees

In addition to assisting residents, RCT Council is also committed to supporting its lower-paid employees. Council workers in grades one to six will receive a supplementary payment of £125, boosting their income. This move is expected to benefit nearly 6,000 workers, including home care and social care staff, cooks, cleaners, and school crossing patrol personnel.

Expanded Support Programs

RCT Council is further expanding its efforts to alleviate the cost of living burden on its residents. This includes an additional £100,000 allocated to energy vouchers and supermarket vouchers. Furthermore, an extra £60,000 has been earmarked to help residents purchase small energy-efficient kitchen appliances, such as slow cookers.

Winter Community Support

As the winter months approach, the council is committed to providing additional support to the community. This includes £80,000 for winter welcome centers and warm hubs, offering essential items, warm drinks, and snacks. An additional £30,000 has been allocated to support venues in providing hot meals, and £50,000 will assist residents facing "significant financial hardship."

Councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of the council, emphasized the significance of this support package. He stated that it's the most substantial financial assistance initiative introduced by any council in Wales. He expressed hope for further support from the Welsh Government or the UK Government, recognizing that the upcoming winter will present significant challenges for families, individuals, and organizations.