“Far too many” people in York are “struggling to afford to live”, a council boss said, as the authority urges residents to apply for all the financial benefits they are eligible for.

In July, 2,700 households, including 1,844 children, were shown to be in relative poverty, according to a report by City of York Council.

Cllr Katie Lomas, the council's executive member for finance, said the council “cannot fix the entire system but we can work to ensure that our resources are directed to those who need them most”.

The council offers welfare support for residents, including the York Financial Assistance Scheme – supporting York residents facing financial difficulties or emergency situations – council tax support and discretionary housing payments, as well as a food and fuel voucher scheme.

In 2023/24, the council received 1,223 applications for help under the York Financial Assistance Scheme.

The scheme, which can be applied for once a year, offers an average award value of £635, an increase from £499 which was previously offered.

A council spokesperson said this increase was made “due to the level of need facing applicants and an increase in the cost of the items provided such as flooring which helps manage energy costs”.

'We have much to do to support residents,' says council boss

Meanwhile, in April the government announced a further six months of funding for the Household Support Fund, meaning it will last up to March 2025.

In York this fund is provided by City of York Council to support vulnerable households in most need of support to help with significantly rising living costs

Cllr Lomas said she welcomed the extension to the fund, adding: “We have much to do to support residents with the continued pressures of the high cost of living.

“We’re writing to eligible residents and urging others to apply for pension credit. This could put £100s of extra a month individually in their pockets, totalling an additional £1.3 million across York, while also unlocking benefits including automatic payment of the Winter Fuel Payment.

“It was good to hear from council officers the plans they are making to support those who may just miss out on Pension Credit but still face difficult choices this winter between heating and eating.”

Cllr Bob Webb, executive member with joint responsibility for financial inclusion, added: “York households and families face more expensive daily lives than ever before. To give them a more secure financial footing, council services have collaborated and adapted to meet the increased needs and challenges facing residents, alongside the council’s own budgetary constraints.

“In close partnership with voluntary and community organisations, we continue to co-ordinate and make the best use of the resources to effectively support residents.”