Wiltshire Council work with partners to distribute Household Support Fund 4

The Household Support Fund is in place to support households that would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs during the current cost-of-living challenges.

The fund is intended to support a wide range of low-income households in need including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people. Wiltshire Council has also identified that support is required for the homeless/rough sleepers, Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Boater Community.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health said, We have already successfully distributed the previous rounds of the Household Support Fund to Wiltshire residents.

This funding is to support households that are struggling the most with food and energy bills. Support will be provided through food parcels, energy vouchers, supermarket vouchers, household items and meals.

To deliver this support the council and third sector organisations will work to get help to where it's needed, as quickly as possible.

Local Authorities have the flexibility to identify which households are in most need of support and apply their own discretion when identifying eligibility. The expectation is that The Fund should be used to support households in the most need; particularly those who may not be eligible for the other support government has recently made available but who are nevertheless in need and who require crisis support.

Fiona Oliver, Wiltshire Community Foundation Joint Chief Executive said: We are pleased to be working with Wiltshire Council to distribute the Household Support Fund 4 grants to charity and community groups working with those most in need across Wiltshire. 

We know these funds will make a real difference and enable them to continue their vital work at a time when they are needed most. Full details of how to apply for the grants and eligibility criteria will be available on our website https://www.wiltshirecf.org.uk/ (opens new window) from the beginning of July. 

Paul Winney, Centre for Sustainable Energy said; In these challenging times, we understand the hardships faced by many people across the local area. That's why we're pleased to deliver the Household Support Fund grants, specially designed to uplift working-age low-income and vulnerable households. Through the scheme, they'll receive credit to pre-payment meters or shopping vouchers. We can also help eligible home-owners replace their broken boilers and night storage heaters.

Information about the Household Support Fund 4 is available at Household Support Fund 2024 (HSF2024).

Wiltshire Council also provides cost-of-living advice and support, which can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living.

About the Charities

Age UK Wiltshire

An independent, local charity providing support and services to older people living in Wiltshire and Swindon, something they've been doing for over 70 years. They want everyone to be able to love later life.

They do this by inspiring, supporting and enabling older people, helping them stay safe, make informed choices and be independent yet connected.

Find out more at Age UK Wiltshire (opens new window)

Reg Number: 800912

FearLess

Working to break the cycle of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

With highly professional, fully trained and hugely caring teams who work across communities in the Southwest; providing personalised support services to help victims change or move on from abusive relationships; supporting people who have experienced sexual violence or stalking, supporting children and young people affected by abuse to move on with their lives and; running voluntary programmes for perpetrators to help them change their behaviour.

Find out more at www.fear-less.org.uk (opens new window)

Reg Number: 1064764 

Wiltshire Community Foundation

An independent charity. They exist to tackle disadvantage and strengthen local communities by inspiring philanthropy and supporting the voluntary sector.

Their mission is to maximise the impact of charitable activity by connecting people, information and resources.

Find out more at www.wiltshirecf.org.uk (opens new window)

Reg Number: 1123126

Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE)

A charity supporting people and organisations across the UK to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes. We do this by sharing our knowledge, practical experience and policy insights.

For over 40 years, they've supported people to take effective action on energy in their homes. They help communities and local councils to understand energy issues, set priorities and put plans into action. Their research and analysis is focused on making the energy system greener, smarter and fairer.

Find out more at https://www.cse.org.uk (opens new window) or call 0800 038 5722

Reg Number: 298740

Turning Point

Working with people who need our support with their drug and alcohol use, mental health, offending behaviour, unemployment issues and people with a learning disability. They aim to inspire and empower them to discover new possibilities in their lives.

Everything they do is aimed at providing good quality, person-centred services in the right location at the right time, making a real difference for the people and communities they support.

Find out more at www.turning-point.co.uk (opens new window)

Reg Number: 234887