Mayor: 'We don't want people to suffer alone' RESIDENTS URGED TO CLAIM COST OF LIVING SUPPORT.

Byline: EMILY CRAIGIE [email protected] @emilycraigie

A MAYOR has urged residents to claim the support they are entitled to as the cost of living crisis continues. Independent Mayor Andy Preston said people in Middlesbrough have not always claimed the money and support available.

Almost half of the town's wards are in the top 10% most deprived nationally, which is the highest rate in the country.

Earlier this year, residents were entitled to a PS150 energy rebate which was paid directly into their bank account.

During an executive meeting on Tuesday, deputy mayor Cllr Mieka Smiles highlighted that take up was just 48% in North Ormesby, one of the most deprived parts of the town.

People who did not claim had the cash credited to their council tax account, however, it suggests that people in deprived areas are not claiming the available support, despite a difficult financial period where inflation has hit 11.2%.

The council currently is dishing out PS60 vouchers to struggling families.

Parents will be eligible for one voucher for each of their children who qualify for free school meals and they will be handed out automatically.

Applications are also open to give the vouchers out to a wider group of people who also need extra help. Mr Preston said: "Our message is clear: help is out there. This winter is going to be tough and we don't want people to suffer alone.

"Our concern is that in the recent past we've literally been a town that can't give money away, despite everything we know about the hardship some of our residents face. Our offer of support is about much more than just money, but our recent experience tells me that we need to make more of a noise on this subject and make people aware of all the help on offer."

As part of a new campaign, the council will be sending information to homes in certain wards to flag the assistance that's available. The local authority and its partners deliver a number of schemes - there is support to make homes safe and easier to heat and to ensure people have access to blankets and equipment to help keep houses warm, as well as cash grants and loans.

Buildings across the town, including council sites, are also doubling up as warm spaces.

This includes Central Library, community hubs, the Ubuntu multicultural centre, Fork in the Road and the Riverside Stadium.

People can also apply for a PS60 e-voucher if they have children who are: |under the age of 5, and another child in the household is eligible for free school meals; |attending a school outside of Middlesbrough, but living in Middlesbrough and eligible for free school meals; | not eligible for free school meals, but your household is entitled to council tax reduction.

Applications can be made online via middlesbrough. gov.uk/household-supportfund. If people are in need of emergency food they can contact the White Feather Project, which receives funding from the council.

It's open seven days a week from 9am until 10pm and can be contacted on 07552 830185.

Further information on help available can be found via middlesbrough.gov.uk/ support.

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Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston