A fund supporting people in Ashby de la Zouch - and across Leicestershire - with rising food and fuel costs has given out £1million since its launch in the autumn.

Leicestershire County Council has now allocated two-thirds of its £1.5m pot through charities, schools, food banks, social care and other organisations.

The fund – which offers up to £170 to homes and is part of the Government's Household Support Fund - is open until March 27 and anyone struggling is encouraged to apply as soon as possible before it runs out. 

Councillor Louise Richardson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "Residents are feeling the impact of soaring energy and food bills. Although we can't control the factors pushing up prices, we can support those who are feeling the impact the most

"We're committed to doing what we can to help and I'd encourage people to apply."

The pot is part of the council's wide-ranging £14.8m support package to help people make ends meet which also includes:

• Energy efficiency grants and advice - through the council's Warm Homes scheme

• A £4m Greener Living Leicestershire project - helping to cut household bills by fully-funded home improvements including loft and wall insulation, solar panels, heat pumps and new efficient windows and doors

• £15 free school meal vouchers for 14,000 children across Leicestershire - benefiting families during February half term 

Referrals to the £1.5m fund may be particularly appropriate for people who receive pension credit or housing benefit outside of Universal Credit.

Applications need to be made through a professional or support worker – or through one of the following organisations: 

• Registered charities and voluntary organisations 

• Schools/education settings 

• Food banks 

• Care organisations 

• Children's Services 

• Adult Social Care 

• Housing 

• Revenues and Customer Support 

• Public Health 

• Care and NHS professionals including nurses and GPs 

• District and borough councils 

• Citizens' Advice 

Find out more HERE.