Purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek approval for the proposed allocation and delivery approach for Year One of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).

The CRF replaces the Household Support Fund (HSF) and provides Sefton with a three-year funding settlement from 2026/27 to 2028/29.

The introduction of the fund represents a significant change in national policy, with a stronger emphasis on prevention, financial resilience and community capacity alongside the continued provision of support for households facing acute hardship.

The Year One proposals have been developed on the basis that the transition from HSF to CRF should be managed in a way that maintains stability for residents whilst beginning to reshape support around the longer-term objectives of the fund.

As a result, several existing HSF-funded arrangements will continue during 2026/27, but alongside this the Council will begin to invest in new and expanded activity intended to strengthen resilience, improve targeting and reduce repeat demand over time.

This includes the continuation of crisis and housing support, investment in welfare advice and income maximisation, targeted support for specific cohorts, stronger community coordination, improved use of data and intelligence through the Low-Income Family Tracker (LIFT) and the recruitment of a dedicated Crisis and Resilience Coordinator.

The proposed transition from Free School Meal (FSM) holiday vouchers towards a broader Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) offer is one example of this wider shift. That transition will be phased and managed, with voucher support continuing through Summer 2026 while HAF capacity and accessibility are strengthened to support a managed transition. 

Decision

Decision(s):

1. The approved proposed Year One allocation of £4,318,609 for the Crisis and Resilience Fund and the associated delivery approach for 2026/27, be noted.

Reasons for the recommendation:

The reasons highlighted in the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

None.