A DISTRICT council has approved more than £500,000 of funding to support its residents in the cost of living crisis.

Kirklees Council’s Cabinet will make the £535,000 available to community groups and organisations who are already equipped to provide support. 

Funding will be awarded to groups who are able to provide a warm space for residents this winter, food parcels and fuel vouchers, and those who can provide information, advice, and guidance on topics such as mental health support, debt advice, and assistance into employment. 

Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “Kirklees residents, through no fault of their own, are experiencing the worst cost of living crisis in a generation. Over the winter months, we are going to see more and more people wanting support, some of whom will have never needed to access support services before. 

“That’s why this funding is extremely welcome. It will support residents who are already facing financial hardship but equally we hope it will prevent people from falling into further difficulties.” 

The funding, which has come from the West Yorkshire Mayor’s Cost of Living Emergency Fund, will be issued to the Council in three instalments of £178,600 over the next 18 months.