£12m crisis fund launches for people in need in Bradford
The Crisis and Resilience Fund will be for people who “experience sudden financial shocks” and will run for at least three years.
A NEW annual £12m “crisis fund” for Bradford residents in need is being introduced this year.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund will be for people who “experience sudden financial shocks” and will run for at least three years.
The fund was welcomed by Council bosses at a meeting on Tuesday, when one Councillor pointed out that “anyone can find themselves at need in any point in their lives.”
The Government has introduced funding which will run from April 2026 to March 2029, and provides funding to local authorities in England to support low-income households.
Bradford Council will receive £38.2m over the three-year period.
The money will fund projects including a crisis payments scheme, food pantries and welfare advice services.
The scheme was discussed by members of the Council’s Executive on Tuesday.
A report to members said: “The Fund is designed to help people who experience sudden financial shocks, such as income loss or unexpected costs, while also strengthening longer-term financial resilience.”
Iain McBeath, Director for Adult Social Care, said there were already “wonderful” schemes in Bradford to help people facing financial difficulty. But he added: “This will build a more connected offer.
“You will be able to walk into any Council building or community centre and be directed to where you can get the most appropriate advice.”
The report to members said: “The primary aim of the fund is twofold: to offer timely support to people experiencing a financial shock, and to reduce future demand for crisis support by addressing underlying causes of financial hardship.
“Financial shocks may include sudden income loss, unexpected expenses or housing pressures.
“Alongside immediate help, the Fund supports services that strengthen people’s ability to manage money, cope with change and recover from setbacks.
“Many people are unaware of available benefits or assume they are ineligible. Complex criteria, application processes and negative perceptions discourage engagement with the benefits system.”
Examples of funding include over £1m over three years for a warm homes scheme, £2.25m over three years to establish food pantries and £5.4m to provide payments to help Bradford residents “in financial crisis.”
Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “It is great that Bradford has been given this money by Government to support people who are at their lowest point and help them out of their circumstances.”
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Executive for Healthy People and Places, said: “Anyone can find themselves in need at any point in their lives, and they might have multiple issues they need advice on.”