Central Bedfordshire Council approves latest Household Support Fund allocations
In addition to support for households most in need, almost £63,000 will provide supermarket vouchers for care leavers
Central Bedfordshire Council has approved how it will use £2.613 million from the seventh round of the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF).
The funding, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, is intended to help residents with essentials such as food, energy and other living costs until March 2026.
Some funding has already been used to support families during the summer holidays.
Families with children eligible for free school meals received supermarket vouchers worth £17.50 per child, per week, benefiting around 8,500 children in the area.
In addition, almost £63,000 will provide supermarket vouchers for care leavers – young adults aged 18 to 25 who have previously spent time in care.
The remaining funding will be allocated as follows:
£430,000 to third sector organisations in Central Bedfordshire to distribute food and offer vouchers for utility and other essential costs.
£200,000 to the Children’s Centre Crisis Fund, providing immediate assistance to local families referred by services such as health, housing, and education.
£150,000 to a new Adults Crisis Fund to support adults facing food or fuel poverty.
Councillor John Baker, Executive Member for Finance, said: “The council's administration was pleased to agree another round of funding for important causes that are selected to support the least well off residents.
“Funding included more money for families, through our Children's Centre Crisis Fund and additional support for those in receipt of Free School Meals; vulnerable adults through our Adult's Crisis Fund; and charitable groups that are targeting food and fuel vouchers to those most in need.
“Whilst the government has cut its Household Support funding by 12%, we continue to work with all councillors to provide targeted support through the funding made available to us.”
Further information about the Household Support Fund can be found on the Central Bedfordshire Council website.