Salford City Council have today (8 October) announced plans for the allocation of the Government’s extension of the Household Support Fund (HSF).
Since HSF’s introduction in October 2021, Salford City Council has received over 50,000 applications for support, and in the last round of funding alone, covering the period April 2024 to September 2024, Salford received 5,500 applications for help with energy, food and other essential items and supported the families of over 15,000 children with holiday food vouchers during the school holidays.
Round six of HSF will cover the period of Tuesday 1 October 2024 to Monday 31 March 2025.
The latest round will support households struggling with the cost-of-living to cover food, energy and fuel costs. Residents who need support can apply directly for funding online or call Salford’s HSF helpline.
The money will be distributed by Salford City Council’s Salford Assist team. The funding will be awarded by a grant payment to those who meet the eligibility criteria. Salford residents do not need to be in receipt of benefits to apply for the Household Support Fund and can apply for the scheme if they are also in receipt of other benefits and pension credits, all applications will be considered.
The funding will also be used to fund holiday food vouchers for children eligible for Free School Meals; Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners to deliver food banks, food clubs and food schemes; and other areas of the council such as housing, adult social care, and welfare rights and debt advice.
Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty at Salford City Council said: “The Household Support Fund has provided vital support to our most vulnerable residents across the city. As the winter period approaches, this much-needed support to heat homes and put food on the table will be crucial for many families across our city.
“In Salford, we work hard to make sure vulnerable residents are supported in the best way possible. This funding will enable us to continue providing that assistance and our commitment to building a fairer, more equal society for everyone.”
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “The Household Support Fund has been an essential support system, offering our residents much-needed help with food and heating, and ensuring that children on free school meals do not go hungry during school holidays.
“This funding will help the most vulnerable in our communities and I’d urge anyone who is struggling financially to get in touch and see if you can benefit. The Household Support Fund is in place to support you.”
This support forms part of Salford’s wider Tackling Poverty strategy which aims to make Salford a fairer and more inclusive place where everyone can live prosperous and fulfilling lives free from poverty and inequality. The funding has come from the Department for Work and Pensions.
To learn more about this funding and how to apply visit Salford City Council’s website: https://www.salford.gov.uk/hsf
