Rhyl council £2m support for families and energy help

Rhyl Town Hall <i>(Image: Submitted)</i>
Rhyl Town Hall (Image: Submitted)
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COUNCIL-backed projects are enabling scores of Rhyl families to tackle energy and benefit worries, with £2 million worth of support and help coming into the town as a result.

Rhyl Town Council is contributing to the funding of an energy efficiency officer at Citizens Advice and an appeals officer at the Benefit Advice Shop.  

The council is also supporting a third organisation, Home-Start Cymru.

Helen Mead, town clerk, said the impact has been "transformative" and confirmed that funding would continue for another year.

Mrs Mead said: "Over the last year, thanks to the town council’s funding of these three projects, dozens of Rhyl people and families have been able to navigate the crippling issue of energy poverty, access social security support, and given the skills and confidence needed to raise a young family in today’s challenging environment.

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"People are facing many pressures, and costs are ever rising with few signs of slowing down.

"We are enabling organisations to help some of the most vulnerable open the door to much-needed support.”

"People are facing many pressures, and costs are ever-rising with few signs of slowing down.

"We are enabling organisations to help some of the most vulnerable open the door to much-needed support."

The energy efficiency officer provides practical help with energy debt, negotiations with energy suppliers, and securing payments for those struggling with rising utility bills.

Support includes information about warm home discounts, energy-saving advice, and help with applying for home energy improvements.

The Benefit Advice Shop assists residents with all stages of social security appeals, including lodging appeal paperwork, support throughout the process, and completing work for tribunals.

Home-Start Cymru delivers targeted support for parents of young children, helping them build essential parenting skills and confidence during challenging times.

According to the town council, this advice and hands-on support has already channelled millions of pounds back into Rhyl, easing energy debt, funding vital home improvements, and ensuring residents access the benefits they are entitled to.

Mrs Mead said the positive financial impact is clear.

She added: "In just one quarter, Rhyl clients saw income gains of £335,854 through Citizens Advice, a pattern that was fairly well repeated over a 12-month period.

"For some people, the work from these organisations is life changing.

"The council is pleased to continue providing funding towards projects like these, which make a tangible difference to so many people."

Julie Pierce, Chief Executive Officer, Citizens Advice Denbighshire, said: "Thanks to Rhyl Town Council's continued support, we are able to help residents tackle energy costs, manage debt and increase their household income at a time when many families are under significant financial pressure.

"This funding is not just about financial gains; it is about helping people feel more secure, more confident and better able to cope with the challenges they face."

The Benefit Advice Shop said social security appeal tribunals were often lengthy, with the organisation sometimes supporting people for several years.

Michelle Thomas, Benefit Advice Shop Manager, said: “From April 2025 to March 2026, we made confirmed appeal income gains of £1,245,589 for the people of Rhyl, which is their legal entitlements and is money circulated back into our local community supporting local retail and leisure establishments.”

Bethan Williams, Locality Manager, North and Powys Region at Home-Start Cymru, said: Families are facing incredibly tough circumstances with rising energy costs and financial pressures. Through our work, we’re supporting parents to build the skills and resilience they need to navigate daily challenges, while also connecting them to vital wider support.

"Being part of this partnership means we can reach more families and ensure they feel supported, empowered and less alone."

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