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Flintshire County Council strengthens support for residents amid rising cost-of-living pressures

Published: 17/06/2026

Flintshire County Council has set out the extensive work underway to support residents as the cost of living continues to place pressure on households across the county.

Cabinet members heard today that the Council is delivering a wide range of measures to help residents manage rising costs, access essential services, and maintain financial stability.

The meeting heard that support for children and families continues to be a priority. Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) now benefit 8,294 primary school children across Flintshire, while 4,674 pupils remain eligible for means-tested free school meals and a further 589 are protected under transitional arrangements.

Cabinet heard that it is still important for eligible families to apply for Eligibility Free School Meals, even when receiving UPFSM, to ensure schools continue to receive Pupil Deprivation Grant funding for these children.

It also opens up additional support, including eligibility for the School Essentials Grant which has this year provided 4,674 grants totalling £618,000 to help with uniform and equipment.

Cabinet also heard that support with housing costs remains a key area of demand, with Discretionary Housing Payments worth £270,000 awarded by the Council in 2025/26. In addition, the Council’s Housing Revenue Account Discretionary Fund provided £122,372 to help council tenants with rent arrears, essential household needs and crisis support.

Help is also being provided for households reliant on off-grid fuels, which includes heating oils and LPG. A scheme will open shortly for residents who are in receipt of support through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, who can receive a £200 payment. Meanwhile the Discretionary Assistance Fund now offers up to £750 towards off-grid fuels for those with no savings.

Food poverty work also continues to expand, with increased use of community pantries and fridges across the county. The Council has provided revenue and capital funding to strengthen these services.

Twenty-eight Warm and Safe Spaces operated over the winter months, offering food, warmth, social connection and access to wider support. The Free Fruit in High Schools initiative continues to promote healthy eating and reduce food inequality.

Flintshire is also leading the way in Wales through its use of the Low-Income Family Tracker, which helps to identify residents who would benefit financially from targeted pro-active engagement.

The Council is signed up to the Welsh Benefits Charter and is working with Welsh Government and partners to streamline access to devolved benefits and ensure a more compassionate, consistent experience for residents.

Councillor Paul Johnson, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Social Value and Communities, said: “We know that many households across Flintshire continue to face real financial pressures such as rising cost, insecure incomes and the challenges of the welfare system daily.

“Our priority is to ensure that residents can access the right support at the right time, whether that’s help with housing costs, food, school essentials or welfare advice.

“This is why the preventative work highlighted in this is so important – we are identifying need earlier and helping families before problems become crises.

“We will continue to work closely with partners to strengthen our response and support the wellbeing of our communities.”