Helping Residents Improve Financial Wellbeing, Skills, and Community Life

Bridgend County Borough Council offers a range of financial support and grant schemes aimed at assisting residents facing financial challenges, supporting community projects, and helping people gain skills for employment. Whether you’re struggling with household costs, looking to develop your career, or seeking funding for a local initiative, several programs are available to help.

Below is an overview of the key schemes currently offered or supported by Bridgend Council and its regional partners.

Council Tax Reduction

The Council Tax Reduction Scheme helps low-income households reduce the amount they need to pay in council tax. This support is means-tested, meaning your eligibility depends on your income, savings, and household circumstances, such as whether you live alone, receive benefits, or have dependents.

Residents who believe they may qualify can contact Bridgend Council’s Council Tax Department for advice:

  • General enquiries: 01656 643391.
  • Council Tax Reduction advice: 01656 643396.

You can also find more information and apply online through gov.wales.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

For those receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit but still struggling to pay rent, Discretionary Housing Payments can offer additional financial help.

These payments are designed to support people facing temporary shortfalls in rent, including those affected by the bedroom tax, benefit cap, or unexpected life events. Each application is assessed individually, based on your current circumstances and need.

To apply, contact the Housing Benefits team at Bridgend Council, or visit their website for guidance on eligibility.

Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund offers short-term help to residents who are facing financial hardship and struggling to afford daily essentials. Support may come in the form of:

  • Supermarket or energy vouchers.
  • Emergency financial assistance.
  • Help with purchasing essential household items such as bedding, clothing, or white goods.

The fund is particularly targeted at low-income families, individuals in crisis, and vulnerable residents who may not qualify for other forms of support. Availability depends on government funding rounds, so residents should check www.bridgend.gov.uk for the latest updates.

⚠️ ECO4 has closed to new applications — here’s the help you can get nowECO4 grants are no longer available. See the grants and funding you can get now.

Energy Efficiency and Home Upgrades – ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme

Check if you qualify for free government home upgrades through ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme, it only takes a few minutes, and you could save hundreds on your energy bills.

Use the eligibility checker to find out if you may qualify, and support will be provided through the application process and trusted installers arranged to carry out the work.

Not sure what your EPC rating is or need a new EPC? Find out in seconds using the EPC checker to see how energy efficient your home is, or to order a new EPC. Knowing your EPC can help you understand what support you might be eligible for under ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme.

Empty Homes Grant

To help improve housing availability and reduce the number of unoccupied properties, Bridgend Council offers an Empty Homes Grant of up to £25,000. This funding is aimed at owners of empty residential properties and can be used to carry out:

  • Renovations to bring homes up to safe and livable standards
  • Energy efficiency improvements
  • Structural repairs or accessibility adaptations

The goal is to make more homes available for residents in need while promoting sustainability and community renewal. Contact the council to confirm your eligibility and whether the scheme is currently active, or visit gov.wales for more details.

Community Grants

Bridgend supports resident-led community projects through partnerships with organisations like Community Foundation Wales. These Community Grants aim to fund local initiatives that bring people together and enhance the wellbeing of neighbourhoods.

Funding may support a variety of projects, such as:

  • Youth and mentoring programmes.
  • Arts, sports, or cultural activities.
  • Environmental clean-up or gardening schemes.
  • Events promoting inclusion, mental health, or physical wellbeing.

To find out what’s available or how to apply, visit communityfoundationwales.org.uk or reach out to Bridgend Council’s community development contacts.

Upskilling@Work

If you’re looking to gain new qualifications to improve your job prospects, the Upskilling@Work programme offers up to 70% funding toward Level 2 to Level 6 qualifications. This scheme covers Bridgend and the wider West Wales and the Valleys area.

Courses may include:

  • Health and social care.
  • Manufacturing and construction.
  • Business administration.
  • Digital and IT skills.

The programme is part-funded by the European Social Fund and delivered through trade unions and accredited training providers. You can learn more or apply via tuc.org.uk.

Where to Learn More

Each scheme has its own eligibility requirements, application steps, and availability. For the most current information, visit:

www.bridgend.gov.uk

You can also call the relevant council department or visit a local council office for personalised advice on what support may be available to you.

One Last Thing

Bridgend County Borough Council’s support programmes aim to make a practical difference, whether that’s by easing the burden of council tax, helping cover housing costs, funding community ideas, or building long-term career opportunities.

If you think you could benefit from one of these schemes, it’s worth reaching out. Help is available, and accessing the right support could make all the difference.