An East Lancashire local authority has set out how it plans to spend more than £500,000 supporting hard up residents and keeping them warm over the winter.

Burnley Council's executive has approved proposals to distribute the cash across multiple initiatives to address urgent needs related to food, housing, and energy efficiency, providing essential support to Burnley’s most vulnerable residents.

The senior councillors on Wednesday night authorised the spending of £460,668 from the government and Lancashire County Council to launch the sixth phase of the Household Support Fund (HSF6) and the latest £45,480 Affordable Warmth Grant.

The total of £506,148 must be spent or committed by the end of March 2025 to provide essential support to Burnley’s most vulnerable residents.

The HSF6 will enable the council to distribute direct payments to those in need and support local charities, food banks, and advice services.

The Affordable Warmth Grant will provide support such as boiler servicing, repairs, and energy efficiency improvements to help residents stay safe and warm during winter.

Cllr Jack Launer, Burnley Council's housing and health boss, said: “This funding is a lifeline for many households across Burnley facing financial hardship.

"With the support of Lancashire County Council, we’re able to provide essential assistance, ensuring our residents are supported through these challenging times.

"This fund highlights our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our community.”

The HSF6 cash will be spent on:

  • £30,000 to provide a payment to the most vulnerable residents;
  • £40,000 for additional discretionary hardship payments;
  • £71,000 for debt and welfare rights advice in Burnley Town centre and Padiham;
  • £194,000 to support household food insecurity including education, the food bank, community grocery stocks, breakfast/luncheon clubs.
  • £60,000 for essential housing costs and hygiene products;
  • £35,000 on energy efficiency measures and winter warm packs; and
  • £30,668 for administration costs.

The Affordable Warmth Grant will be used for boiler servicing and repairs, boiler replacements, repairs to properties such as fixing leaking roofs, mould and damp treatment and prevention, glazing/door improvements, carbon monoxide alarms, and draught proofing works including floor coverings.

Further information is available on the council’s website, by calling the Burnley Together Contact Hub on 01282 686402 or visiting Down Town which is in Burnley town centre above New Look.