Household Support Fund in Wiltshire

Published 27 August 2024

A report underlining the positive impact of the Household Support Fund (HSF) in Wiltshire charts 90 schemes which have provided support for families, disabled people and older adults.

Food, furniture, rent contributions, fuel support and advice are key areas where schemes have made a difference through the government funding since it was first introduced in October 2021.

The scheme is due to end September 2024 and Wiltshire Council is asking for timely and long-term funding support alongside a commitment to a more sustainable and systemic change to help the local authority move forward and plan ahead.

The council, through its public health team, has administered the HSF across a range of areas. A substantial amount has been on free school meals in the holidays, food, energy, advice services and other essentials.

The result has been:

• Positive impacts on individuals and families, from a variety of support (food, fuel, rent, furniture)
• Helping those not covered by existing support schemes, including those with disabilities, low-income households just above benefit thresholds, care leavers and unpaid carers.
• Improving food security for vulnerable communities
• Filling gaps in the social safety net, exacerbated by the COVID pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.

The council's partners in providing support were well-positioned to identify and address local needs. Among these partners were the Wiltshire Community Foundation and Leisure, Culture, and Community Foodbanks.

Other partners included:

• Centre for Sustainable Energy - boiler and heating and food and fuel vouchers
• Wiltshire Citizens Advice
• FearFree
• Nelson Trust
• Turning Point
• A number of housing associations, with hardship fund support

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "This provision of support significantly alleviated financial strain for many families so they could meet basic needs and maintain a satisfactory quality of living. The support has also had a wider impact on health and wellbeing, reducing financial stress and allowing a number of residents to have a balance between heating and feeding their households as opposed to choosing one. It also helps with the purchase of essential items to prevent social exclusion such as sanitary and hygiene products.

"Our provider feedback painted a very positive picture of the planning and implementation of HSF4 within Wiltshire and excellent collaboration across both council and partners.

"The fund is due to close soon and as a council we want to express the need for a longer-term flexible and programme to continue to meet this need. Since it was introduced fuel, rents and food prices have risen at a much higher rate than has previously been seen. We need timely and long-term funding support alongside a commitment to a more sustainable and systemic changes to help us move forward for the better. This will ensure we can continue with our preventative approach to supporting people, by always looking at the bigger picture and not just short-term fixes."

Topics:

• Public health news

Share this page

Print