Decision details

The Household Support Scheme funding allocation covers the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

The scheme is fully funded by Central Government as referenced in the Executive Report 14 May 2025. Expenditure has been approved in line with government guidance as set out in the Household Support Fund Delivery Plan 2025 that was amended following approval by Executive on 08 October 2025.

The scheme design was extremely comprehensive and provided targeted support to the most vulnerable, in line with the guidance provided by DWP.

A mix of pro-active communications, engagement with third parties and a series of separate application forms throughout the year have proved extremely beneficial in respect of raising awareness of the scheme.

A significant increase in the number of applications for support has occurred in the following two areas of the scheme:

1. Pensioners in receipt of CTR and eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment and not subject to clawback through HMRC

2. Singles or couples in receipt of CTR / UC / HB (no children and below pension age).

However, it was also anticipated though that those in employment or on a low income would take greater advantage of the support available than has materialised despite a significant amount of publicity, presenting a reduction in planned cost. Therefore, it is necessary to review and adjust the distribution of funds to ensure sufficient resources are available to meet identified needs. As a result, it is decided that:
1. Within Pensioners in the Plan, the individual allocations are merged to allow the £0.358m to flexibly meet the cost from the 3 elements. This approach will: Enable payment of outstanding claims across each, Ensure each remains open to further applications, Provide maximum flexibility in resource to meet demand effectively
2. Within Other, £0.028m is reallocated from Application based claim for non-CTR / non-benefit residents (below pension age) to Single or couples in receipt of CTR / UC / HB (no children and below pension age)

As approved by Executive any remaining funds following implementation of the delivery plan will be allocated to Council Tax accounts, with a then current award of CTR and where an outstanding balance remains following the issue of a summons in the 2025/26 financial year. The Council also reserves the right to widen the group to include those accounts not in receipt of CTR.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided funding to support vulnerable households in Middlesbrough who are experiencing financial hardship against a backdrop of reduced income and rising living costs.

This decision ensures that support is extended as widely as possible to meet resident needs. This adjustment will be made without affecting the overall allocations to the three groups covered by the Plan approved by Executive, thereby maintaining the integrity of the original framework while responding to current pressures.

All remaining funds must be committed by 31 March 2026, in line with the Delivery Plan submitted to the DWP. Any unspent funds will need to be returned; however, based on the Executive reports and the adjustments made, it is anticipated that the funding will be fully utilised.

No other options were submitted as part of the decision.