A charity helping people who cannot afford basic essentials such as food, clothes and toiletries may be given a helping hand from the county council.

At a cabinet meeting today, members will decide whether to grant financial assistance to Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship (PATCH).

In December, council leader Jamie Adams and Jon Haswell, chief finance officer, were invited to visit the charity’s Milford Haven branch, to see how it is helping local people on a daily basis.

Since it was established in 2008, PATCH has provided short-term relief to people who find themselves in financial crisis.

People are referred to the charity, which then provides food, household items and other essentials, almost all of which have been donated by local people and businesses.

Cabinet will vote on whether to contribute to the charity’s running costs.