Newport City Council has a range of support available that can help with things like council tax, employment and the cost of living.
The Winter Fuel Support Scheme 2022/23 will provide a one off £200 cash payment to one household member responsible for utility bills.
This year, we will automatically issue a voucher which can be exchanged for £200 cash at your local post office, to everyone in receipt of Council Tax Reduction. If you are entitled to Council Tax Reduction you will receive a voucher by the end of November 2022.
Thanks to Welsh Government funding, councils across Wales are extending the availability of free school meals, beginning with their youngest learners. The aim is that every primary school pupil will be able to have a free school meal by 2024.
From September 2022, Newport will be offering free school meals to all pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in local authority-maintained schools.
Cost of living support scheme
Read more on our cost of living support scheme page.
Food banks and parcels
The council supports the distribution of food parcels and there are a number of food banks within the city. If you need to access these services, please call our neighbourhood hubs on freephone 0808 196 3482.
Community food groups - grant scheme
A scheme to help these organisations is open for applications after being launched by the council in partnership with voluntary support organisation GAVO.
Food banks, and other groups that help residents who are struggling financially, will be able to apply for grants to assist with day-to-day costs such as buying groceries to replenish their stocks.
For further information visit the GAVO website or email revenuefoodgrant@gavo.org.uk
Further support for vulnerable groups
A range of support is available through our area hubs. Teams such as our community connectors work with individuals, groups and organisations across the Newport area to provide information, advice and support.
If you are not in a vulnerable group, but need support, please call (01633) 656656 and we will advise on local support available.
Our community connectors work with individuals,groups and organisations to provide information and advice about available support, help you to find local activities and meet more people in your community.
Email: community.connectors@newport.gov.uk
Free period products
As part of its period dignity programme, Welsh Government provides funding for the provision of free period products for all who need them, regardless of age or background. The council distributes products through schools, youth organisations, food banks and community organisations.
Organisations that want to supply period products or anyone that wants more information can email period.dignity@newport.gov.uk or call 01633 656656
Council Tax
If you are struggling to pay your council tax, get in touch. The earlier you apply, the sooner we can work together to help you through any difficulties.
We may be able to offer an alternative payment plan, you may be able to defer payments, or if you are in receipt of certain benefits, you may be able to apply for a council tax reduction.
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
If you are struggling to pay your rent, you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment.
These payments are normally only awarded for a short period.
Financial inclusion service
Support with managing money and budgeting, access to and support to manage benefits, referring and liaising with debt services, applying for lower social tariffs, grant applications. Open to anyone with a housing need via Newport Gateway newport.gateway@newport.gov.uk or call 01633 656656
Employment support and training
The teams at our neighbourhood hubs provide a community based advisory service which can help you into employment or training. They also work closely with local employers to support people into new roles.
Other services provide by the hubs include support for families, libraries, and adult learning.
If you are homeless, at risk of homelessness or need housing advice then please get in touch.
Newport’s housing associations also provide a wealth of advice and support for tenants. The associations are:
Contact them directly for assistance.