Household Support Fund extension
Warwickshire County Council has welcomed the six-month extension of the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) initiative announced in the Spring Budget on 7 March 2024.
We now await further information from the Government on the future funding earmarked for Warwickshire to support residents through the continued cost of living challenges.
Please note that the criteria and type of support offered for each round of funding for the Household Support Scheme can be different. Once the criteria and distribution methods for the next phase of support have been agreed, we will communicate them here.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Government to local authorities to support families with children and individuals most in need.
This fund can be used to help households towards the cost of:
- food
- energy / water needs
- essentials linked to energy and water
- wider essentials, where appropriate
This funding covers the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 and local authorities have discretion on exactly how this funding is used within the scope of the guidance set by the Department for Work and Pensions.
The fund is part of the Government’s Help for Household Scheme.
Household Support Fund in Warwickshire
The Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme will distribute the Household Support Fund to families and individuals most in need of support through both proactive targeted support and by application.
If you need help with food, gas, electric or household goods, you can apply for Local Welfare Support.
You do not need to receive benefits to apply for this help.
We will check your identity, that you live in Warwickshire and what your income and expenses are.
Further support available
Help for Warwickshire residents struggling to pay utility bills
In recognition that an unexpected increase in costs can create challenges for our residents who are experiencing financial hardship, another county wide utilities voucher campaign launched on Monday 4 March 2024.
A one-off voucher payment will be available to help those who are struggling to afford energy and water bills. This will supplement ongoing emergency support from the Local Welfare Scheme for residents in financial crisis.
Households in Warwickshire can apply whether they use pre-payment meters, pay by direct debit or on receipt of a bill.
Residents are invited to apply online or contact us on 0800 4081448 or 01926 359182 for a confidential discussion about their situation.
All applications for the payment must be made by 22 March 2024.