Household Support Fund (No. 2)

That this House notes with deep concern that applications for the Household Support Fund in Newbury have increased by nearly 1,000 to 2,715 applications between April 2024 and March 2025 compared to the previous year; while welcoming the Government's allocation of over £1 million to West Berkshire Council's Household Support Fund, expresses serious concern that this funding is insufficient given the stark increase in demand; recognises the vital role of this fund in supporting vulnerable pensioners struggling with the cost of living crisis; further notes with concern that the increase in applications may be attributed to the withdrawal of winter fuel payments for pensioners; and calls on the Government to review and increase the level of support available through both the Household Support Fund and winter fuel payments to ensure adequate protection for vulnerable residents during this continuing cost of living crisis.