We recognise that people might be worried about money at this time due to the cost of living and/or a number of other issues. The Council of the Isles of Scilly can offer support or signpost to organisations that can support you, please see the information below:
Household Support Funding
The Household Support Fund (HSF) has been made available by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You may be able to get help with essential costs if you’re struggling to afford things like:
- energy and water bills
- food
- essential items
Our Adult Social Care and Children’s Services teams work with the community and support them to be able to maintain their wellbeing by alleviating financial hardship and food poverty. Members of our community on Scilly can apply for this funding, please see information below:
Eligibility
This fund is available to those who are residents on the Isles of Scilly. Households in need include people who live alone and applicants do not need to be in receipt of benefits to be eligible. There is a cap to the amount this fund can pay out in each application, the maximum amount is one payment of £250 in summer months and one payment of £500 in winter. Other non-financial support is available, please engage with the Council of The Isles of Scilly so that we can help signpost you to other forms of support such as signposting to organisations that can help reduce outgoings
Application process
To apply for support from this fund please contact Adult Social Care on 01720 424 470 or asc@scilly.gov.uk
If you are eligible then you will be supported to apply for financial support.
Further information on available government support can be found here:
Get help with the cost of living from your local council - GOV.UK
Winter Wellbeing
- Our Isles of Scilly Winter Wellbeing booklet 2025/2026 has a wealth of useful information and contact details for supportive organisations. The leaflet has been added as an attachment to this page and hard copies are available at the Health Centre and Library.
There are a number of other departments and organisations that can help you to make your money stretch further:
- Citizens Advice: They offer a wide range of support including debt and benefit advice. To speak to an advisor contact the Customer hub team for help booking a digital appointment, more information here. National Citizens Advice also has a page of useful links and information, around things like benefits, debt, help with essential costs, and some mental health helplines as well. There is also a leaflet about grants and benefits that are available to help people pay energy bills. Citizens Advice
- Council Tax: Any resident who has difficulty in paying their Council Tax, should contact the Council tax collection team on: 0300 1234 105 revenues@scilly.gov.uk
- Housing: You can contact our housing team by email or phone at the following details: housing@scilly.gov.uk or 01720 424440
- Inclusion Cornwall - the Inclusion Cornwall Resource library has a host of specific Resource Sheets, including – Debt and crisis funding, Families, Transport, Health, wellbeing and disabilities, Household goods, Food, clothing and wood banks, and more. Detailed support in those specific areas can be found. See https://inclusioncornwall.co.uk/library. Inclusion Cornwall ; 01872 326440, hello@inclusioncornwall.co.uk, www.inclusioncornwall.co.uk
- Community Energy Plus - A social enterprise that provides energy solutions to help householders in Cornwall to enjoy warmer, more energy efficient homes. They have extensive factsheets around a variety of energy-related subjects, including “Saving energy and Money” and “Support with rising living costs”, as well as other useful advice: https://www.cep.org.uk/resources/factsheets-and-leaflets/ Freephone 0800 954 1956 or email advice@cep.org.uk
- CRCC - Help with switching provider, fuel debt, payment options accessing grants - 01872 273952 www.cornwallrcc.org.uk
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Cornwall Council and a selection of major charities and organisations in Cornwall have produced a leaflet for those who are struggling to make ends meet. You can download ‘Worrying about money? From the Cornwall Council’s website: worried-about-money-cornwall-leaflet.pdf
Please also contact Children’s Services if you have concerns or questions that relate to children or young people's well being.
Ensuring you claim all the benefits you’re entitled to
Check benefits and financial support you can get - GOV.UK
Energy & financial support resources
All energy and water providers are obliged to keep a ‘priority services register’ of vulnerable customers. This could include people who are elderly, disabled, or require electricity for medical equipment. They are required to give special service to those people, and will prioritise reconnecting them in the event of a power cut or outage. Contact your provider for information.
Many local banks are also offering support for people experiencing financial difficulties. See your bank’s website for advice.
Support in this area also available from Community Energy Plus – CEP (see above for contact details), Citizens Advice (see above), Age UK and National Energy Action.
Mental Health
People are also reminded that there is a wealth of support available for anyone struggling with their mental health.
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health call 111.
It's free to access by anyone, any age, any time, day or night.
| Attachment | Size |
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 Winter Wellbeing Guide_IoS_2025-26_Web.pdf | 5.03 MB |