RESIDENTS in the Amman and Swansea valleys are able to receive support from the county council during the cost-of-living crisis this winter.

Neath Port Talbot Council will be supporting residents through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis to ensure that assistance is available to those across the county who are facing financial challenges this winter.

There is a dedicated website – www.npt.gov.uk/costoflivinghelp - which has all the information on how to get help on topics including claiming benefits, with assistance for residents in navigating benefit claims to ensure they receive the support they are entitled to, guidance on managing and reducing household bills including details on social tariffs which can provide cheaper broadband and mobile phone packages.

There is also information to help with managing finances and tackling debt, childcare costs and schemes such as the Childcare Offer for Wales, Flying Start and tax-free childcare and education and school costs as well as finding work.

The council also has a £2m hardship relief scheme which is delivered in partnership with Warm Wales. It aims to support local residents who are most in need to ensure that their homes are heated more efficiently and measures with helping with energy bills. Support can include energy bills, boiler services, utility bill arrears, minor home repairs like broken windows and small measures for home warmth such as electric blankets.

There is also a directory of warm spaces where people can go to keep warm and socialise as well as save some valuable funds by not using their own heating.

Councillor Simon Knoyle, the council’s cabinet member for finance, performance and social justice, said: “Our community is at the heart of everything we do.

“With many people still struggling with the cost of living, Neath Port Talbot Council is committed to ensuring that our residents have access to the essential support they need.

“We encourage every resident facing financial challenges to utilise the support available which can be found on our dedicated help with the cost of living webpage.”

For more information visit www.npt.gov.uk/costoflivinghelp and leaflets with the same information are available at the local libraries and civic centres across Neath Port Talbot.