Hampshire secures £12.5m to extend Household Support Fund
It helps residents afford essentials like food, warm bedding, and household bills
Over £12.5 million will be spent to continue supporting vulnerable families facing financial difficulties in Hampshire.
The Department of Work and Pensions has confirmed that the household support fund (HSF) will be renewed until 2026.
Under the programme, Hampshire County Council will continue to receive £12.5 million in funding over the next year, representing a reduction of about £2 million compared to the allocation for 2023.
The HSF is a national programme created during the cost-of-living crisis to relieve those struggling to afford household essentials, including energy and water bills, food, and other necessities.
Previous funding has allowed the county council to work with local organisations such as charities, education providers, community groups, and district and borough councils to provide support, help and guidance to families and individuals.
In recent years, a wide range of low-income households in need have received support, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers, and disabled people.
The funding has enabled the provision of food vouchers, fuel vouchers to keep families warm, food banks, and libraries to continue offering chat groups for elderly people, among other things.
Currently, work is being done to identify the areas with the most significant needs for funding.
Councillor Roz Chadd, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We are delighted to have confirmation that the housold support fund will be extended for another full year. This will allow us to strengthen the partnerships we’ve built with local and countywide organisations to provide essential support to those who need it most.
“The grant confirmation is just the first step. Over the coming weeks, we will refine plans to invest this funding into programmes that deliver sustainable benefits to working families facing rising food and energy costs who may not qualify for other Government assistance, as well as other groups of residents identified as being in the greatest need of support.”