Struggling households in Salford have been urged to apply for help through the council’s crisis support fund.
A share of £4.8m will be spent this year helping residents in the city to provide meals for their children during school holidays, and keep the heating on during winter.
Salford council has been awarded the money this year from the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF), to provide a helping hand to the most vulnerable people in the city.
In the last 12 months, £1.7m was used to help more than 11,000 people in need of ‘crisis’ support in Salford to pay for everyday essentials through the HSF.
This year, the money will be used to pay for meal vouchers for eligible children over the school holidays, and put £200 in the pockets of some residents aged 65 and over during winter.
Salford’s deputy mayor Tracy Kelly said the cash is an “essential safety net” for people in the city, but warned that there are “difficult decisions” ahead when it ends after March 2026.
“Our focus is to make sure vulnerable residents are supported in the best way possible and ensure that every resident facing financial challenges receives the necessary support,” she added.
Salford council’s cabinet agreed today (May 13) on how it will spend the money over the next 12 months.
Support available to residents will include:
- Direct financial support to eligible residents to cover essential costs,
- Holiday food vouchers for eligible children during school holidays,
- Extending the winter support payment scheme for another year,
- Supporting food banks, food clubs, and food schemes across the city,
- Helping to pay for extra council services in areas such as housing and social care.
The current round of funding is open until September 30, 2025 for people in Salford 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 on 0800 011 3998.
The money will help fund meals for children on the free school meal register at maintained schools, or to children who meet the criteria for free school meals but who don’t attend schools, such as children in early-years settings.
The food vouchers will be provided at £15 per week for the 13 weeks of school holidays.
The winter support payment scheme offers a £200 payment to residents aged 65 and over who may be eligible for Pension Credit but are not yet in receipt of it, or are still to apply for the benefit.
Salford’s own winter support payment was rolled out last year and has helped thousands of people in the city, the council said.
Salford city mayor Paul Dennett said: “This funding has made a real difference to people’s lives in Salford. It has helped families put food on the table, kept homes warm during winter, and ensured that children don’t go hungry during the school holidays.
“We’re committed to using this funding to keep that support going. I urge any resident facing financial difficulties to explore the support available through the Household Support Fund.”
