The UK Government has provided funding of the Crisis and Resilience Fund to local authorities from 1 April 2026 for a period of three years. This fund replaces the previous support scheme known as the Household Support Fund.

About the fund

This fund is designed to provide effective crisis support to those that encounter a financial shock and help individuals build their long-term financial resilience, reducing their dependence and repeat need for emergency assistance on things such as food parcels.

As part of this fund, the following support will be available to residents:

Crisis Payments for those who have encountered a sudden or unexpected financial shock
School Holiday food support to families with school age children
Essential furniture and white goods through the HELP scheme
Assistance with shortfalls in Rent or Council Tax
Making financial support available to people via local charitable organisations
Income maximisation software and increased welfare and debt advice to support residents to claim all of their eligible entitlements

If you are currently struggling financially, we have lots of information available regarding the Cost of living and Other benefits and grants available.

Household support fund