THE Royal British Legion (RBL) has seen a sharp increase in the number of veterans and their families in need of help with the cost of living.

Over the last 12 months the RBL has issued 20 per cent more grants to help with food and basic living costs than in the previous year, and the charity anticipates that the number of applications for help with the most urgent needs such as food, clothing and temporary accommodation will increase in the coming months.

The Royal British Legion Everyday Needs Grants Programme is designed to assist people who need help with essentials such as kitchen appliances, clothes, and energy costs.

Providing up to £2,400 a year in £200 monthly instalments, successful applicants receive vouchers to top-up gas or electricity prepayment meters, a virtual credit card to pay utility bills, vouchers for food, clothing or household items and replacement white goods.

Royal British Legion is dedicated to supporting not only serving and ex-serving personnel but the whole of the Armed Forces community, including families, dependants, and carers – which can include children, current and former spouses and partners, widows and widowers.

The Royal British Legion encourages anyone who is struggling with increasing costs to apply.

Barrow and Furness MP Simon Fell is urging any member of the Armed Forces community wanting to access the grants to find out more and apply.

He said: “I understand that across Furness, members of the Armed Forces Community are facing increases in the cost of living.

“There is lots of help available to everyone as we navigate through this difficult period.

“I urge anyone from within the armed forces community who may be struggling to meet the cost of living at the moment to apply for the Everyday Needs Grant, which could provide up to £2,400 over 12 months to help with household bills.”

A full list of those eligible to apply is available at rbl.org.uk/get-support/who-we-help To find out more or to apply, visit rbl.org.uk/costofliving or call 0808 802 8080.