The Household Support Scheme has been extended a number of times, with the DWP last providing funding for eligible expenditure in the period from April 2022 to September 2022.
Funding is to support vulnerable households, covering 3 main groups, Children, Pensioners and Other – with a requirement to allocate a minimum of 1 third to the first 2. The scheme provided that spend would be monitored periodically and if necessary reviewed to ensure it continues to meet local economic needs.
As the scheme is nearing its end, the remaining funding is now to be allocated by 30 September 2022 as outlined below.
• Children - £70k will be used to provide additional Section 17 support by meeting costs incurred in the period April 2022 to September 2022 on essentials, fuel, food, clothing and other items, all of which are designed to support the welfare of the child.
• Community Support Fund – An allocation of £30k will be provided to further support households. The number of residents requesting financial support for essential items continues to rise, and the funds will be used against the cost of providing food, white goods (including energy efficient replacement white goods where needed), fuel, utilities or other essential items for vulnerable households. This allocation also includes funding for the removal and disposal of items replaced.
• Council Tax Accounts – The balance of remaining funds will be allocated to Council Tax accounts where a summons has been issued for the current financial year and where a balance remains. The amount to be allocated will be distributed evenly, subject to individual account balances for the 2022 charge.