Happy New Year! Regular readers will already be aware of Test Valley’s Cost of Living Grant scheme, which we set up following a special meeting of the Test Valley Partnership that I hosted last year. The fund has already benefitted 29 separate organisations by paying for school breakfast clubs, warm hubs, debt and money management, fresh food provision, baby essentials and a dedicated Citizens Advice caseworker in the Food Bank. As it’s been so successful in helping those who need it most, the first thing I did this year was to double the fund from £50,000 to £100,000. So, if you know a not-for-profit group that could benefit, please encourage them to apply. More information at testvalley.gov.uk/costoflivinggrantscheme.

Test Valley has also teamed up with Unity and the local Citizens Advice Bureau to redistribute Winter Fuel Payments. In short, we are mirroring a scheme that has been successful elsewhere whereby those who receive a Winter Fuel Payment but don’t necessarily need it, are able to donate it locally to support those most in need. I have also arranged for Test Valley to match fund donations. All residents who are over the age of 66 before September 25, get an annual payment from the government of between £250 and £600, depending on their age and living situation. This year there’s an extra £300 for all households. Anyone wishing to donate some of their Winter Fuel Payment is asked to contact Unity at 03304 004 116 or visit their website unityonline.org.uk. Pensioners in need of additional financial support are also being urged to contact Citizens Advice as soon as possible at 0808 178 6882 or go to their website testvalleycab.org.uk. I must stress that we are not asking people to donate any money if there is any doubt whatsoever about whether they need it. We don’t want people to cause themselves financial difficulties while trying to support others.  

Finally, before Christmas, I was honoured to attend a very special party. Put on for Ukrainian refugees living locally. In a year when their lives have been turned upside down, it was wonderful to see smiling children. Even just for a few hours. My hope for 2023 is that Russia is made to end their insane war – and the wonderfully resilient, inspirational families I met get a chance to return to their homeland. In the meantime, I know they will continue to receive a warm welcome in Andover.