The uncertain future of the Household Support Fund
A new blog by by Kit Colliver, John Hudson, Neil Lunt and Jed Meers, reflects on the future of the Household Support Fund
The article, written for Transforming Society examines the recent history of the Household Support Fund (HSF), a programme introduced as a temporary measure introduced at the outset of the cost of living crisis, which has now become crucial in helping local authorities in England support ‘vulnerable’ households.
The HSF allows LAs to fund support measures such free school meals provision outside of term time, dispenses welfare benefits and debt advice (for instance, through contracting with organisations such as Citizens Advice), and provides everything from white goods, electric blankets food parcels to air fryers to low-income households.
A feature of the HSF has been a repeating cycle of short-term funding – typically 6-month periods – often coupled with “last-minute” renewals in response to ongoing need. With the current wave of funding due to end on 30 September 2024, the blog speculates on what the new Labour government and Chancellor will decide to do with the HSF as this deadline approaches.