Issue details

The Government recently announced that a new Household Support Fund (HSF) grant will be made available to County Councils and Unitary Authorities in England to support those most in need this winter. This new grant will run from 6 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 and Darlington’s allocation is £913,854.

The HSF should primarily be used to support households in the most need with food, energy and water bills. It can also be used to support households with essential costs related to those items and with wider essential costs.

At least 50% of the funding must be for vulnerable households with children. Funds should be spent or committed before 31 March 2022 and cannot be held over for future usage. Councils can request applications for support or they can proactively identify households who may benefit or can take a mixture of the two approaches. There is no requirement for Councils to undertake a means test or conduct a benefit check unless this specifically forms part of a local eligibility criteria.

Implementation Date
6 October 2021 to 31 March 2022