Grant News

A new £1 billion-a-year funding programme will provide emergency financial support to people on low incomes across England from April, offering greater flexibility and longer-term certainty for local welfare provision.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund will run for at least three years and replace the temporary Household Support Fund, which has operated since 2021. Delivered through local authorities, the fund will allow councils to issue direct cash payments to individuals facing sudden financial shocks, such as job loss, an unexpected bill or urgent household repairs. Applications will be open to residents regardless of whether they receive benefits.

The fund represents a shift towards a cash-first approach, moving away from vouchers and emergency food provision. Government guidance allows councils to use the money for three main purposes: crisis payments, housing-related support where there is a shortfall, and funding for local charities and organisations providing frontline resilience services. Local authorities will have discretion over how funding is allocated across these areas.

While the overall funding level broadly matches the previous scheme.

In England, councils must publish details of how they will use the funding and open applications by 1 April. Proportionate funding will also be allocated to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with decisions on delivery resting with devolved administrations.

The fund aims to reduce reliance on emergency food aid by giving people greater choice, dignity and control during financial hardship.