Cost of living support measures announced by Preston City Council

Preston City Council has put forward a raft of measures at a cost of over £800,000 that will support residents on the lowest incomes as the cost of living crisis continues.

The measures are alongside new universal provisions including free swimming for children and older people.

If approved at a council meeting later this month, the plans will be rolled out across the rest of this financial year to extend and boost the range of support already provided by the Council and its partners across Preston.

The cost of providing additional support will be covered through general revenue reserves.

A range of support has already been introduced for the most-at-risk households, provided by and/or supported by a range of partners including public agencies and community groups. This includes initiatives such as the 2025 introduction of a 100% council tax support scheme, Household Support Fund, Holiday Activities Fund, Cosy Homes and Clever Money Credit Union.

Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council said: “The cost of living crisis is still very much with us. Many households are still struggling to pay for daily basic things like food, energy bills and rent and are dropping below the poverty line which is unacceptable.”

“Whilst we are working hard to elevate household incomes through initiatives like our Real Living Wage City campaign and investment and support through skills, training and promoting a more democratic and fair economy, the most financially challenged households still need immediate help with meeting basic living costs. These proposals go some way to help more of our residents as we face the colder winter months.

“The city’s commitment to Community Wealth Building can be evidenced through these measures to tackle a wide range of socio-economic challenges and inequalities in our Preston wards to create a healthier, more inclusive city. Critically, it’s important we work closely with our anchor partners and communities to bring about effective, long lasting change and a stronger, fairer economy that everyone benefits from.

Extra support measures in addition to existing support is as follows:

Free swimming – for young people, pensioners and those on low incomes.

Full council tax benefit for the terminally ill – worrying about bills is the last thing you need if you, your partner or a child is diagnosed with a terminal illness.

One-off Christmas payment - to families that are affected by the benefit cap in four payment bands of £50, £100, £300 and £400. Available between November 2025 and March 2026.

Support with food and fuel costs for low-income pensioners – a top up of £80,000 to the Household Support Fund (HSF) targeted at pensioners on low incomes with payments of up to £100.

Support with food and fuel costs for low-income young people and low-income unpaid carers – top up to the HSF for payments of up to £100 per household to help with the cost of living, transport costs, food, housing or clothing costs.

Food bank and community pantries support – a further £45,000 to be allocated through the HSF and £20,000 for essential household goods and furniture.

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) – increased £100,000 top up funding to help tackle the waiting list for adaptions and those on lower incomes who cannot afford to undertake household adaptions, allowing those with disabilities to stay and live independently in their homes.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) – a top up of £100,000 to help support families at the risk of becoming homeless.

Community grants - £100,000 to help fund grass roots initiatives to tackle poverty and build resilience in the most deprived communities in Preston.

Research for longer term interventions – to find longer term interventions to tackle child poverty, economic inactivity and new opportunities to break free from poverty.

Further consideration will be given to how ongoing support can be provided in 2026-27 and proposals will be presented to Council early in 2026 if additional funding can be identified.