Cost of living pressures push Scarborough to top of hardship list
Scarborough residents accounted for almost a third of all emergency hardship applications made across North Yorkshire during the summer, newly published council figures reveal.
The North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund received 3,488 applications between July and September, a 29 per cent increase on the same period last year, and Scarborough generated 1,087 applications, accounting for almost a third of all requests for support made across North Yorkshire.
Total spending through the fund rose to £351,551, up 21 per cent year-on-year.
A new report identifies Scarborough as the area generating the greatest demand for support.
It states: “Scarborough continued to generate the highest demand, accounting for 1,087 applications (32 per cent of all applications).”
The fund provides emergency support for residents facing financial hardship, including help with food, energy costs, white goods, furniture and other essential household items.
According to the report, food and energy payments accounted for 81 per cent of all awards made through the scheme during the quarter.
The figures form part of a wider increase in demand for crisis support services across North Yorkshire.
In a statement to councillors, Heather Phillips, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, said: “Demand continues to increase significantly with 3,488 applications, an increase of 29 per cent and expenditure of £351,551, an increase of 21 per cent.”
The council said analysis suggested growing demand was being driven by rising rents, unchanged Local Housing Allowance rates and restrictions on housing support.
Officials also warned that requests for assistance could increase further during the winter months as households face higher heating costs.
The report states: “We have seen an increase in Housing payments and some analysis has suggested that rising rents, unchanged Local Housing Allowance rates and restrictions on housing support are contributing to greater need.”
It adds: “As we come into the winter months demand for the Fund is also likely to increase as heating costs put further pressure on household budgets.”