The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that an additional £842 million of funding will be allocated from 1st April to support vulnerable households across England. The funding is an extension of the Household Support Fund and will be distributed by English councils to help people pay for energy bills or groceries.
The DWP Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, Mims Davies, expressed her satisfaction with the continuation of the Household Support Fund for another year. She emphasized that the funding is part of a larger package of support worth £26 billion, which includes payments of £900 for millions of people on benefits, additional support for disabled people and pensioners, and an Energy Price Guarantee to help households save money.
The allocation of the funding will be targeted toward areas of the country with the most vulnerable households. English councils will have the flexibility to decide how best to use their allocation to support people in their local area quickly and efficiently. This builds on the support provided over the past 18 months, with the Household Support Fund now worth over £2 billion across its lifetime.
The previous use of the Household Support Fund has been varied, including community cooking events in Leicestershire County Council, energy resource packs and advice on energy consumption in Bexley Council’s energy café, and vouchers for food in Blackpool Council’s scheme. Wokingham Council also provided over 650 energy-saving packs to those in need, with items such as air fryers, slow cookers, heated blankets, and LED lightbulbs included.
The announcement follows other support for vulnerable households in the coming months. Direct payments will be made in 2023/24, including up to £900 for those on means-tested benefits, a £150 payment for those on disability benefits, and a £300 top-up for Winter Fuel Payments for pensioner households. Benefits and pensions will increase by 10.1% in April, and the minimum wage will see its largest-ever cash rise, reaching £10.42 an hour. The Energy Price Guarantee is also expected to save the typical household £500 in 2023/24.
Those looking to access support in their local area are advised to check their local council’s website or contact their local council office.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
