Andy Munns
Wiltshire Council has provided an update on its next distribution of the Government’s Household Support Fund.
The fund is in place to support households that would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs.
In the Spring Budget on 12th March, the chancellor confirmed that the Household Support Fund, due to conclude at the end of March 2024, would be extended for another six months.
The council has been awarded just over £2.7m from the Government’s Household Support Fund 2024 to support residents from 1 April 2024 until 30 September 2024.
During the previous funding window for the fourth iteration of the Household Support Fund (HSF4), which has now closed, the council was allocated around £5.4m for the period of April 2023 – March 2024.
It was spent on 87 schemes, 23 provided by the council and 64 through third-sector partners such as Wiltshire Community Foundation, Age UK Wiltshire, Citizens Advice, FearLess, Centre for Sustainable Energy, Turning Point and several Housing Associations
Local Authorities have discretion on how this funding is used within the government’s scope. Still, the expectation is that the fund should primarily be used to support households in the most need, particularly those who may not be eligible for other government support. The council has until 10 May to confirm its delivery plan for the funding over the next six months, which will be submitted to the Government.
The fund is intended to support a wide range of low-income households in need, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people. The council has also previously identified that support is required for homeless people/rough sleepers and Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Boater communities.
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “We were pleased to get confirmation that the Household Support Fund is going to run for an additional six months as it has proved to be invaluable, providing that little bit more support to those who need it during these continued challenging times.
“We will plan this next round of allocation very carefully and continue to work with our partners in the third sector to get the help to where it’s needed as quickly as possible.”
As per the council’s constitution, which dictates that an overview to members must be provided on any grant exceeding £500,000, an update report was presented at the council’s Cabinet meeting on 16 April. The report can be found at Agenda – Democratic Services – Wiltshire Council.
More information about the previous round of Household Support Fund can be found at Overview HSF4 – Wiltshire Council.
