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Help is available for people across PվɫÇéƬ and Bute who are struggling to access food and heat their homes.

The Flexible Food Fund has helped 550 households access £760,000 of benefit income fuel debt relief since January 2021, with an average financial gain of £1,385 per household.

Funded by the Scottish Government, the project allows the Council’s benefit team to work with third sector partners including Bute Advice Centre, ALIenergy and foodbanks, to support people who are struggling for money to cover food and fuel costs.

Who can apply?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

-          16 years +

-          Live in PվɫÇéƬ and Bute

-          Receiving benefits or earning a low income

-          No savings

If you qualify for support, you will receive payment and a referral to Bute Advice Centre. The Centre will review your income to help maximise your benefit entitlement and identify any other help available.

The amount of the grant paid is dependent on the number of people in your household and ranges from £80 per single adult household to £530 per a couple with five children.

How to apply?

If you urgently need help, submit a claim form available on the council website - /forms/flexible-food-fund or contact Bute Advice Centre on 01700 502784.

Find out more

A series of pop-up events are taking place over the coming months. Look out for more informationc, including venues, on council and partner websites and across social media.

The Flexible Food Fund project is shortlisted for a National Performance Award in the ‘Excellence in Innovation’ category, as part pf the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV) Awards.