Decision

That:

1. It be noted that Bromley Council’s allocation for the Household Support Fund (HSF) is £1,867,882.58.

2,   The drawdown of this amount from the 2024/25 Central Contingency to the Operational Housing revenue budget be approved.

1. The full utilisation of this ringfenced grant, in 2024/25, as detailed in paragraph 3.14 of the report be approved.
2. It be agreed that any final or additional changes are delegated to the Director of Housing, Planning, Property and Regeneration in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Renewal, Recreation & Housing and Resources, Commissioning & Contracts Management.

Reasons for the decision

On 24 September 2024, the Government announced that the Household Support Fund (HSF) would be extended from 01 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. £421 million has been made available to County Councils and Unitary Authorities in England to support those most in need to help with significantly rising living costs.

The objective of the Fund is to meet immediate needs and help those who are struggling to afford household essentials including energy and water bills, food, and wider essentials. Authorities can also use funding to support households with housing costs where existing housing support does not meet this need and to supplement provision with signposting, advice, and preventative support.

The Fund is intended to cover a wide range of low-income households in need, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people, larger families, single-person households, and those struggling with one-off financial shocks or unforeseen events.