Project funding boost

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.

With soaring costs hitting hard, 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.

The energy efficiency officer helps people in Rhyl cope with the impact of rising utility costs and the knock-on effects by negotiating with energy suppliers, providing payments, and managing debt. There is practical advice, too, including information on warm home discounts, energy efficiency tips, and support with applications for energy measures.

The Benefit Advice Shop helps people with all aspects of social security appeals, including lodging appeal paperwork, support throughout the process, and completing work for tribunals. Home-Start Cymru volunteers and staff provide parents with essential skills as they navigate the challenges of raising young families.

The work is helping people throughout Rhyl, and, thanks to previous council support, millions of pounds have already circulated back into the town, alleviating energy debt, funding work to keep homes warm, and helping families access the social support to which they are entitled.

Town Clerk Helen Mead said the work previously provided had been transformative for people in Rhyl, so council funding was being extended for another year.

She 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. 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.”

Mrs Mead said the level of help and the positive financial impact could not be underestimated.

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 every day the organisation saw the difference that timely advice made to people's lives.

She added: “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.

Benefit Advice Shop Manager Michelle Thomas said: “From April 2025 to March 2026, we made confirmed appeal income gains of £1,245,589.00 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 they were seeing first-hand the difference the council’s support was making across Rhyl.

“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,” she added.

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