The council actively works with its partner, the Fuel Bank Foundation, to offer this fuel support to those residents on pre-payment meters who are in need. In the period of April 2021 to March 2022, a total of 153 vouchers were issued – supporting over 500 residents. This was to help those people most in danger of being disconnected from their pre-payment meters. The vouchers are either available in winter for £49 or a summer voucher of £30.

But now in just three months alone – April 2022 to July 2022 – the council has supplied a total of 118 vouchers – and counting.

David Evans, head of Heath and Communities at the council, said the continuing rise of essentials and energy bills is leaving residents most in need left out in the cold.

He said: “We know more and more of our residents are facing hardship due to the rising cost of living, and with the predicted price cap coming in October putting energy bills over £3,500 – the pinch on finances is tightening.

“The council provides food and fuel support to help residents in immediate need – in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council – via the Household Support Fund. We also operate our own Fuel Bank scheme for people on pre-payment gas or electricity meters in danger of being disconnected from energy suppliers to help pay the bills.

“Additionally, we provide Food On Our Doorstep (FOOD) clubs, working with Family Action and Feeding Mansfield Network to provide good-quality food at a low cost to several areas within the district. Whilst this scheme is direct help to provide families with nutritious and low cost food, it works alongside schemes like our Fuel Bank to ensure that the choices people are often forced to make between heating and eating a little easier.

“If residents are struggling with their fuel bills, we encourage them to speak and engage with their housing officer or support worker to request help from the council or Fuel Bank.”

The Fuel Bank Foundation became an independent registered charity in 2017 – focusing solely on the challenges of people living in fuel crisis – and provides emergency financial support through its network of partners.

Matthew Cole, head of the Fuel Bank Foundation, added: “Working in partnership with Mansfield District Council has allowed the Fuel Bank to provide crisis electricity and gas to families who would otherwise be living without.

“Originally launched in the early days of the pandemic, the council and the charity came together recognising that by collaborating they could better address the challenges that families across the district were facing.

“This experience provides much-needed and strong foundations as we prepare for winter when energy bills are forecast to pass the £4,000 mark.”

Residents can find out more about our support at www.mansfield.gov.uk/foodsupport