Household Support Fund to continue to help struggling residents

We are delighted to announce its continued support to residents through the government-funded Household Support Fund (HSF), up to 31 March 2025.

Darlington has been allocated £913,853.75, from the government as part of several measures to help provide support to residents struggling with rising costs.  

When administering the HSF, we will identify and support those most in need, use the funding to afford household essentials including energy and water bills and food, and to support with housing costs where existing housing support does not meet their need.

Stephen Harker,, leader of the council said: “The current government funded Household Support Fund is being delivered effectively, helping those most in need in Darlington and surrounding villages. We hope to support the most vulnerable as best we can.”

Amanda Riley, cabinet member for stronger communities added: “A programme aimed at maximising household incomes is also included in this round of Household Support Fund. We will identify residents who may qualify for benefits and contact them by letter. If you or a family member or friend receive a letter, please don’t ignore it, you/they could be owed money. We urge you to check to see if you should claim.”

The HSF will provide crisis support to vulnerable households in most need of support to help with significantly rising living costs.

Support includes, but is not exhaustive to:

Food vouchers - families of a child in receipt of a benefit-related school meal will receive food vouchers for the school holidays to help with the costs of feeding their child/children.

Support for foodbanks - the six foodbanks in Darlington are reporting an increase in demand from working families and the elderly – money will support with needs.

Uniform exchange - the uniform exchange sscheme, established during the pandemic, has grown in use and is well supported by uniform donations.  It reduces the significant cost burden parents experience in sending children to school.

Support for care leavers - all care leavers, estimated 160, will receive £100.

Support for the elderly -  pensioners whose annual income is low enough for them to receive some form of support from the council or DWP due to their low income, but not in receipt of pension credit – currently 553 households. If you, or someone you know ,could be one of them, please check.

Application-based support - residents will have the opportunity to apply for support online.. Discretionary support will be given to low-income households in financial hardship and struggling to manage their essential expenditure. Delivered by Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau, the support will focus on homes affected by the cost of living crisis and who may be in significant debt.

Support for households in both fuel and food poverty - households identified as having insufficient funds available for fuel and food will receove a letter inviting them to apply

For more information visit www.citizensadvicedrc.org.uk/services/household-support-fund-darlington or email the CAB dedicated household support fund  [email protected]