WESTBURY residents will continue to benefit from the government’s Household Support Fund that has been extended for another six months.
Wiltshire Council has said the fund is in place to support households that would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs.
The authority has been awarded just over £2.7million from the government’s Household Support Fund to support residents from 1st April 2024 until 30th September this year. This follows an announcement in the spring budget on 12th March, where the chancellor confirmed the fund would be extended.
“During the previous funding window for the fourth iteration of the Household Support Fund (HSF4), which has now closed, the council was allocated around £5.4million for the period of April 2023 to March 2024,” says a Wiltshire Council spokesperson. “It was spent on 87 schemes, 23 provided by the council and 64 through third sector partners such as Wiltshire Community Foundation, Age UK Wiltshire, Citizens Advice, FearLess, Centre for Sustainable Energy, Turning Point and a number of housing associations.
“Local authorities have discretion on exactly how this funding is used within the scope set out by the government, but the expectation is that the fund should primarily be used to support households in the most need; particularly those who may not be eligible for the other government support. The council has until Friday 10th May to confirm its delivery plan for the funding over the next six months, which will be submitted to the government.”
The fund is intended to support a wide range of low-income households in need, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people. The council has also previously identified that support is required for homeless people/rough sleepers, and Gypsy, Roma, traveller and boater communities.
Cabinet member for public health, cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, said, “We were pleased to get confirmation that the Household Support Fund is going to run for an additional six months as it has proved to be invaluable, providing that little bit more support to those who need it during these continued challenging times.
“We will plan this next round of allocation very carefully and continue to work with our partners in the third sector to get the help to where it’s needed as quickly as possible.”
An update report was presented at the council’s cabinet meeting on 16th April which can be found on the Wiltshire Council website
https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=141&MId=15375
More information about the previous round of Household Support Fund can also be found on the Wiltshire Council website https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/7757/Overview-HSF4
