Final call for applications to the Council’s £200 Cost of Living grant

There’s still time to get your application in for the Council’s Cost of Living £200 grant before the closing date of Sunday 30 April.

The Council’s Service Manager (Improvement and Performance), William Moore, said: “We are delighted to have had 2,500 households in Orkney benefit from the payment, meaning half a million pounds of additional money potentially circulating within the local economy.

“We have received some wonderful feedback from grateful families who shared their stories publicly.

“But the deadline is fast approaching and we want to make a final call for households out there who may still be missing out – please just give it a go. You may end up £200 better off as a result.

“This is open to anyone regardless of age, regardless of working status – you simply need to meet the criteria and we have tried to keep that as simple as possible. We have income thresholds for various household scenarios which are higher than you may think, and you must not have savings of more than £6,000.”

One of the quickest ways to apply is to set up a MyOrkney account and complete the form online here www.orkney.gov.uk/col.

You can also phone in to our Customer Service Teams for help – 873535 in Kirkwall and 850907 in Stromness, or head into the receptions. Please remember to have your bank statement ready when you apply - whether that be online, over the phone or in person.

There is further work ongoing to try and assist those families who are most impacted by the ongoing difficult times.

William added: “The next stage of this is through the Council funded Orkney Money Matters partnership project. The project is being led by Voluntary Action Orkney and is aimed at improving access to advice and cash-based support for anybody worrying about money in Orkney.

“The OMM project is a great example of us working together as we look to support local families and householders through challenging financial circumstances - providing much needed advice, support and listening ears.”

Anybody who is worried about money can access free and confidential advice from Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau by calling 01856 875266or emailing bureau@orkneycab.casonline.org.uk. 

Further information is also available at www.orkney.gov.uk/helpinghand