Household Support Funding still available as we head into the colder months

The current round of funding, provided by the Department of Work and Pensions, is available until the end of March through a range of different schemes.

In Worcestershire, the funding has been used to extend energy support delivered by Act on Energy which provides assistance with energy debt, current usage energy vouchers and new heating systems for residents who are eligible, as well as support in school holidays to those families in receipt of free school meals. 

One off funding will also be available as cashable vouchers for new pension credit recipients that haven’t yet received a payment. 

Other pensioners, carers, or people with a disability on low incomes will be able to access support through the Worcestershire Advice Network, led by Age UK Worcester and Malvern. 

District councils also have a proportion of the funding to support residents in their local areas. 

Since the scheme first launched in autumn 2021, Worcestershire has been allocated over £19million.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “The Household Support Fund has allowed us to help our residents to ensure they are able to stay warm as winter hits, over the last two years. We will continue to work closely alongside our district council colleagues across the county to ensure residents are able to access key financial support and resources and the help they need.”

Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, Mims Davies MP, said: “Our £842 million extension to the Household Support Fund this year is delivering vital support at a local level to some of the most vulnerable families in England. Whether it be providing energy efficient white goods to help save on costs, running free budget cooking classes or offering support for families with their finances, this Household Support Fund Awareness Week and beyond, I encourage anyone struggling to get in touch with their local council to find out what support is available in their area.”

The reminder to residents comes as we are currently coming towards the end of Household Support Fund Awareness Week, which runs from 16-22 October.

The Household Support Fund is there to help households most in need with the rising cost of living, including families, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people.

To support households with the rising cost of living during this year into early next year, the Government allocated £842m to Local Authorities in England to extend the Household Support Fund for a year. 

The scheme runs from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2024. 

More information about how to access support can be found on the Worcestershire County Council website.

Eligibility for support through Act on Energy can be found on the Act on Energy website: WORCESTERSHIRE HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND.