Household Support Fund (HSF)

The Council has been given £1.69million from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide support to a wide range of low-income households who are most in need with the cost of essentials.

The Household Support funding has now been fully utilised. The discretionary application scheme for the Household support fund, is now closed.

Working age households in receipt of Council Tax Reduction have been issued an £80 voucher which can be exchanged for cash at any Paypoint outlet in November 2024 and all Pension age households in receipt of Council Tax Reduction have been issued their £80 voucher in January 2025.

Discretionary payments of £80 that have been offered to elderly households who do not claim Pension Credit and do not receive the Winter Fuel Payments. These payments will be sent shortly.

Support for Care Leavers

People aged 18 to 25 years who have left care will receive a voucher worth £80.

Support for low-income elderly households not receiving winter fuel payments

Households with pensioners who are not eligible for Pension Credit but are on a low-income have been sent a £100 voucher. 

Support for people accessing the 'Back on Track' scheme

The funding will also be used to supplement the Council's Back on Track Scheme. This scheme provides support to vulnerable people in financial crisis.

Other cost of living help and support available

We want to make sure that you are aware of all the help and support available. Visit the Here to Help Hub to access a 'one stop shop' with all of the support services available including energy saving schemes, welfare assistance, food banks as well as health, housing and employment advice.