Cotswold residents have been urged to access cost-of-living support resources.

Cotswold District Council's appeal comes after the Government's recent Autumn Budget announcement.

The budget introduced changes such as an increase in the national minimum wage, a 4.1 per cent rise in the State Pension, and a 1.7 per cent boost to benefits.

However, the winter fuel allowance will now be means-tested rather than universal.

In response to these changes, the council has said it is committed to ensuring that everyone in the community is aware of the support options available.

The council offers a wide range of resources to assist residents in meeting both immediate needs and plan for long-term resilience.

The resources include financial support, social services, and mental health resources aimed at helping individuals and families manage through challenging times.

Each year, across Great Britain, there are a large amount of unclaimed income-related benefits which people are missing out on.

Maximising income through the take-up of benefits is essential to support those on low incomes.

Around a third of eligible pensioners are not currently claiming Pension Credit—often because they are unaware they qualify or do not know the benefits.

Pensioners are being encouraged to check eligibility through the Pension Credit calculator on the council’s website.

Pension Credit is offered to eligible individuals at state pension age and provides additional financial assistance for living costs and access to further support services.

Eligible individuals can also apply for the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, a one-off automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.

Additionally, Council Tax Support is available to individuals on low incomes or receiving certain benefits, with a Council Tax Hardship Fund offered to those in exceptional circumstances.

Councillor Joe Harris, leader of the council, said: "With the government’s decision to abolish the winter fuel allowance and the ongoing cost of living crisis, we understand that many of our residents are worried about getting by this winter.

"That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive support package to offer both practical help and reassurance to our community."

Residents can visit the cost-of-living page on the council’s website, where information on eligibility criteria and the application process for various support schemes is available.