Tandridge District Council in Surrey has committed £150,000 to assist its most vulnerable residents during the winter period, with the scheme having already concluded its 2025/26 cycle earlier this year.
The council's strategy and resources committee considered proposals to continue the winter support initiative, which has historically provided financial assistance to help eligible households meet essential costs and bills. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, councillors reviewed the scheme ahead of a scheduled meeting.
A council report noted that
each past scheme has helped nearly 500 households, demonstrating the programme's reach across the district. The scheme was designed as cost-of-living help for residents on low incomes and in financial difficulty, including assistance with food, fuel and energy bills.
Who could apply for support?
Applicants had to meet specific criteria to qualify for assistance. Eligible residents needed to be householders aged 16 or over with their primary residence in the Tandridge District Council area and facing difficulty meeting their essential short-term needs.
Several groups received priority consideration, including households with dependent children, residents with disabilities, pensioners, carers, those at risk of homelessness and victims of domestic abuse. Notably, households could still qualify even if they had already received other support such as the government's Household Support Fund.
How much could residents receive?
Award amounts varied depending on household composition. The council report indicated that
awards will not normally exceed £150 for households without children and £250 for households containing children. However, when the scheme actually ran, successful households without children received £125, while households with children aged 18 or under received £225.
How was the scheme administered?
Council officers assessed each application individually, making decisions based on local economic factors and existing arrangements with partner agencies. The scheme was fully funded by Tandridge District Council using allocated resources, with no external funding required.
For the 2025/26 cycle, applicants were required to submit documentation demonstrating their financial circumstances. The council asked successful applicants to upload three full bank statements covering the period from 1 September 2025 to 30 November 2025 to verify their eligibility and need.
When did applications open and close?
If the renewed programme had been approved, applications were scheduled to open on 9 November. The 2025/26 scheme subsequently ran and applications closed on 31 March 2026, with funds distributed on a first come, first served basis until resources were exhausted.
Key Facts
- Tandridge District Council allocated £150,000 for winter support to vulnerable residents
- Nearly 500 households benefited from each iteration of the scheme
- Priority groups included families with children, pensioners, disabled residents, carers and those at risk of homelessness
- The scheme was entirely funded by the council and required applicants to demonstrate financial need through bank statements
- The 2025/26 cycle closed on 31 March 2026 with funds distributed first come, first served
