Millions of vulnerable households across the UK are set to receive crucial support this winter as the government announces an extension to the Household Support Fund. The Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, confirmed a £421 million boost for local authorities in England to help those most in need with the rising costs of essentials such as energy, food, and water. An additional £79 million will be distributed to devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The extension, which will run until April 2025, offers local authorities the financial certainty needed to continue providing vital assistance during the coldest months. The fund aims to alleviate the pressures faced by households struggling with the soaring costs of living, particularly as energy prices remain high.
Pensioners and other vulnerable groups who are finding it difficult to heat their homes or afford basic necessities are encouraged to contact their local councils to explore the support available. The government has promised that details of the latest scheme will be communicated to local authorities and councils in the coming weeks, ensuring that help is readily accessible.
Beyond immediate financial relief, many councils are using the fund to offer broader support within communities. This includes partnerships with local charities and community groups to provide essential items such as key appliances, school uniforms, and energy-saving items, as well as services like cookery classes. These initiatives aim to help residents manage their resources more effectively and improve their overall quality of life.
The £79 million allocated to devolved administrations via the Barnett formula will allow Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to tailor their support programs to meet local needs. The UK government is committed to working closely with these administrations to ensure that the fund reaches those most in need, no matter where they live.
This extension of the Household Support Fund comes at a time of significant economic challenge. Since 2010/11, 1.3 million more people have fallen into poverty, with living standards experiencing their steepest year-on-year drop in 2022/23. Additionally, the number of people out of work due to sickness has reached near-record levels, with 2.8 million currently affected.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, acknowledged the tough decisions the government must make to address the £22 billion fiscal deficit inherited from previous administrations. She emphasised that extending the Household Support Fund is a necessary step to provide targeted assistance during a particularly challenging winter.
“The £22 billion black hole inherited from the previous governments means we have to take tough decisions to fix the foundations of our economy,” said Reeves. “But extending the Household Support Fund is the right thing to do – providing targeted support for those who need it most as we head into the winter months.”
Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, also stressed the importance of the fund in preventing a sudden withdrawal of support for vulnerable households. She highlighted the government’s broader economic strategy, which aims to grow the economy, make work pay, and reduce inactivity.
“We are extending the Household Support Fund for the next six months because it is a lifeline for people who are struggling with the cost of living,” Kendall stated. “The dire inheritance we face means more people are living in poverty now than 14 years ago – and this government is taking immediate action to prevent a cliff edge of support for the most vulnerable in our society.”
Looking ahead, the government is exploring sustainable ways to support vulnerable households in the long term. This includes developing a comprehensive Child Poverty Strategy and the forthcoming “Get Britain Working” White Paper, which will outline measures to reduce economic inactivity and help people secure better paid and more stable employment.
Through initiatives such as the National Wealth Fund, the launch of Great British Energy, and the development of the Child Poverty Strategy, the government aims to create a more prosperous and resilient economy, ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to thrive.
For those seeking assistance, the Household Support Fund is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions and delivered by local authorities across England. Vulnerable residents can find more information by contacting their local council through the government’s website.