Latest round of Hampshire Household Support Fund opens

Community groups are invited to apply for cash to help struggling families

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 7th Jan 2024

Community groups in Hampshire are able to apply for a share of £285,000 of funding from the County Council - to help local people through the cost of living crisis.

It's the final round of grants from the government’s Household Support Fund, with the application window open until 26th January.

The money can go towards initiatives tailored to local need, helping to provide vulnerable households with food, utilities and to keep warm.

Councillor Edward Heron, the County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, said:

“There has been an impressive take-up of this funding during the previous application rounds this year, and it has been inspiring to witness the projects these grants have brought to life, whether it has been providing essential goods, food, or helping to reduce heating costs.

“However, groups in some boroughs and districts, notably Hart, but also Gosport, Rushmoor, and New Forest, have been under-represented so far. Therefore, we would especially encourage groups in those areas that have not previously applied to come forward as it could be their last chance to benefit from these grants. Applications are invited from all local groups - typically these include community and voluntary organisations, as well as town, parish and community councils.”

Hampshire County Council administers its share of the Household Support Fund, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, through its connect4communities programme.

The support is targeted at a wide range of low-income households in need, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people who would otherwise struggle with energy and water bills, as well as the cost of food.

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