Decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources has considered a report setting out a proposed approach to the allocation of the fourth phase of the Household Support Fund (HSF4) to support households in the most need; particularly those who may not be eligible for Government Cost of Living Payments and energy support  but who are nevertheless in need and who require crisis support.

Since December 2020, the Department for Work and Pensions have provided local authorities with grants to support vulnerable households.  The Household Support Fund succeeded the Covid Winter Package and the Local Support Grant.  For the period December 2020 to March 2023, Stockport received £8.68m across seven grant schemes.   

On 17 November 2022, in the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced that the HSF would be extended from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.  Stockport’s allocation for HSF4 is £4.326m.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources has then given approval to the delivery plan for HSF4 as detailed in Section 7 of the report.

Alternative options considered

None.