Benefits and cost of living
Walsall residents encouraged to apply for Household Support Fund grants
Published on
Walsall Council has received £2.8 million in government funding to support low-income households this winter.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) has been extended for a sixth round, with the latest funding running from October 2024 to April 2025.
This new funding will be made available to assist residents who find themselves in crisis and in need of essentials like energy, water, food, and housing costs, where other supports are insufficient through an application process. Residents in Walsall can check their eligibility and apply for support now at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/benefits/household-support-fund
“ Tackling poverty and helping those most in need is vital and I really welcome the extension of the Household Support Fund. Our council is committed to supporting residents in need, and no-one should suffer in silence.
“As a council, we can continue to provide the much-needed support to the most vulnerable Walsall residents who are struggling with day-to-day living costs. With the rise in cost of living, it’s more important than ever that residents have the support that they need.
“If you or anyone you know may benefit from this fund, please do reach out to us, we are here to help. “
Walsall Council assisted more than 12,000 households through the previous round of the HSF. As a result, the parents of over 15,500 children received direct financial support to assist them to provide essentials during holiday periods.
It is anticipated that around 13,500 households will benefit from the new round of support, which will include ring-fenced support for over 16,000 children who are living in poverty. That decision is in recognition of Walsall Council’s commitment to help ensure that all children have the best start in life. In addition, £300,000 has now been set aside to help support residents of pensionable age, who are on a low income and may be impacted by the national government changes to winter fuel payments.
A total of £50,000 has been committed to help fund two debt advisors who will assist residents in finding long-term, sustainable solutions to their financial issues.
£25,000 will also be used to provide support to care leavers in the borough. This includes starter packs for new parents, essential laundry facilities and energy support. Meanwhile, £200,000 will be shared with community groups to provide direct support to around 1800 households across the borough. This support will include food vouchers from local supermarkets, energy cost support and the purchase of white goods and school uniforms.
£150,000 of the fund has been committed to establish and run community shops across the borough to help struggling families who are impacted by the UK's escalating cost of living. A community shop operates as a non-profit establishment offering groceries and everyday necessities at greatly reduced prices. The launch of community shops is intended to complement, rather than replace, food banks in Walsall, broadening the spectrum of choice for families in need of affordable food.
Should Walsall residents require guidance and support in making a claim, help is available at Walsall Connected sites located across the borough. There are 29 Walsall Connected centres across Walsall including council-owned libraries, community partnerships and other partner organisations.
Ends
Walsall Connected information and sites https://go.walsall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/walsall-connected-get-help-get-online
Cost of living support https://go.walsall.gov.uk/benefits/help-with-bills-and-debt
