Local Welfare Provision (LWP) scheme

The purpose of the LWP scheme in Bolton is to assist vulnerable people in the Bolton community in meeting their needs for subsistence or financial support where they have a short term immediate need. Support will also be provided to help residents maintain their independence in the community. 

Our Local Welfare Provision (LWP) scheme helps people in short-term crisis with food and essential items.

The scheme is funded by the council on an annual basis and once the fund has been exhausted for that financial year, there will be no further awards. The fund is available to people who do not have alternative means of paying for what they need. The scheme intends to meet one off needs rather than ongoing expenses. It is purely discretionary and you have no automatic right to the extra help.

In all cases, the applicant should be:

• Aged 16 + and
• Have a local connection

For short term help or help in a crisis, the applicant must also

• Not have had an award in the last 6 months
• Have complied with any requirements connected with a previous award The following people would not be eligible for short term help:
• Residents in care facilities or foster care
• Members of a religious order where they are being maintained
• Prisoners released on temporary licence • Anyone living at home as a dependent

For help in maintaining a home, the applicant must also show they need help to

• Remain in the community, or
• Become established in the community, or
• Require help to ease exceptional family pressure and
• Receive a means tested benefit. Means tested benefits include: - Housing Benefit, Local Council Tax Support, Income Support Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, Income Related Employment Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee, and Universal Credit