Extra support will be available for households worried about paying their rent and council tax
Certain households who claim Universal Credit or Housing Benefit could be in line for bonus payments to help with the cost of living.
A support scheme for struggling residents has been extended by a Midlands council.
It will aim to help residents “facing extreme financial difficulties” and anxious about their council tax or rent payments.
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Dudley Council is pumping £1.2 million into supporting some of the most vulnerable households in the borough.
The announcement comes as cost of living pressures are growing even further for the worst-off Brits.
Average energy prices are going up by £111 a year from April, while council tax and water bills will also be rising.
The Black Country council is the latest to announce support packages for the worst-off households.
The authority said: “Dudley Council has set aside more than £1million to help borough residents who are facing the most extreme financial difficulties.
“The £1 million will help residents who are struggling to pay council tax and housing rents due to severe financial hardship.
“It will be added into the existing Discretionary Council Tax Relief Scheme, which supports residents who are facing extreme financial difficulties with their Council Tax payments.
“A further £200,000 will be put into the Discretionary Housing Payments Scheme for people who are in receipt of either Housing Benefit or the Universal Credit Rent Element with additional help with their rent payments.
Council leader Patrick Harley said: “Local authorities across the country are facing financial strain and we have had to tighten the reins on our finances so that we can safeguard our council reserves.
“Despite finding significant savings, we will always work to support the residents who are most in need, and that’s why we are protecting key services and facilities.
“This £1million has been identified in the budget to help those most in need with meeting their council tax and rent.”