South's councils welcome household support fund extension
But some are warning they will still struggle to meet demand
The extension of a cost of living support scheme is a “relief” for the leader of Southampton City Council.
Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall announced the government would deliver another tranche of the household support fund (HSF).
Across England, £421million will be distributed to local authorities to help people struggling with cost-of-living pressures.
The fund, which is organised by the Department for Work and Pensions, was originally due to end this month, but will now run through the winter until March.
It comes as the Labour government faces pressure to rethink scraping winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners.
Last month, Southampton City Council said it would not be able to provide the financial aid itself if the funding stopped.
Since it was launched in October 2021, by the former Conservative government, money from the HSF has been used to help residents with energy and water bills, food and other essential items.
The most recent funding round saw the city council allocated £2.2million to cover the period from April 1 to September 30.
Cllr Lorna Fielker, leader of the council, said: “The impact of the fund is clear. In Southampton, we have used this fund to provide meals for children during school holidays, help low-income households pay for essentials such as gas bills and white goods.
“We have also given funding to local agencies to provide practical support and advice to residents in the city. It’s a relief that we can continue to do this.”
Prior to the general election, several Labour councillors were critical of the short-term nature of HSF allocations, with one calling for a “complete overhaul”.
Asked if additional or alternative approaches were needed to support vulnerable residents, Cllr Fielker said: “The household support fund on its own will not address poverty, the longer term policies the new Labour Government are planning will do that.
“However, in the meantime, extending it ensures that it remains a lifeline for people who are struggling with the cost of living.”
Announcing the extension on Monday, September 2, Ms Kendall said the fund was a “lifeline” for people struggling with the cost of living.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said extending the scheme was “the right thing to do”.