The Government has recently given a grant of £3M to the Council to provide help for some needy families over the winter. Here are the details:
Targeted support for households
We want to make sure that the fund reaches as many residents as possible. The majority of the fund will be allocated directly to households known to our services:
- £1.6m to be distributed via schools
- £360,000 will be allocated to support council housing tenants with utility bills
- £300,000 will be targeted to residents in need of financial support for council tax bills
- £65,000 will be targeted to vulnerable families known to children’s social care
- £50,000 to assist Regina Road residents with possible high fuel costs due to their heating systems
Approximately £527,000 is available for households to apply for directly between December 2022 and March 2023.
Carers are encouraged to make a direct application to the fund to support with food and fuel costs.
Direct applications can be made by households to fund the following items:
- Food
- Emergency fuel top-ups
- Fuel/water bills
- Essential household items (incl. gas/electric cooker, fridge freezer, microwave, bedding)
- Boiler repair
The fund is not ringfenced for specific groups, and all residents who pass a light-touch financial check will be eligible for the fund.
It is crucial that the Household Support Fund reaches those most in need, so we welcome your help in signposting residents towards the Fund.
Residents can apply via our website https://www.croydon.gov.uk/benefits/household-support-fund-hsf
or they can call on 0208 760 5719 and applications can be taken over the phone.
