Household Support Funding still available to residents in need

Residents experiencing financial hardship can still apply for help from the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) to pay for essential living costs.

Since May 2023, Lancaster City Council has been allocated more than £1m of Household Support Funding from the Department for Work and Pensions to support households with the rising cost of living, including families, pensioners, unpaid carers, and disabled people.

The Household Support Fund aims to help with short-term living costs and pay for essential items such as food, energy and water bills or important household appliances such as fridges and cookers.

The council is also working in partnership with North Lancashire Citizens Advice and the Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership to offer longer term support for residents identified as being in the greatest need.

So far, more than £264,972 of the council’s allocation of HSF has helped 711 eligible households with payments for gas, electric and water, essential household appliances as well as clothing, other home essentials and food. Funding totalling £380,000 has also helped more than 1,800 households with additional food support throughout the year, achieved by supporting local food banks and food clubs.

To be eligible to apply for help from the scheme, applicants must be aged 16 years and over, live in the Lancaster district and be able to demonstrate that they are struggling to afford such necessities or to pay their bills. Applicants also need to be willing to engage with Citizens Advice for longer term support.

Councillor Peter Jackson, Cabinet member with responsibility for Communities, Well-being and Partnerships, said: “As we continue to see the rise in financial hardship for our residents, especially lower income households, we know that this additional funding is making a difference, not only in the short term but just as importantly, in reducing the impact of longer term financial issues too.

“If you are experiencing hardship and would benefit from the Household Support Fund, I would urge you to consider applying and use all the help available from the council to do so.”

For more information and to apply online, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/hsf.

A useful set of frequently asked questions is also available here to help applicants apply. Whilst going online is the easiest way to apply, anyone having difficulty can call the council on 01524 582000 and press (Option 7) between the hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (phonelines open at 10am on Wednesdays). Applicants can also seek help by visiting the customer service centres at both Morecambe and Lancaster Town Hall between the hours of 9am – 1pm on those days.

The scheme runs from April 1 2023 until March 31 2024. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and awards are at the discretion of the council.

Last updated: 16 October 2023