Household Support Fund 2023/24
We've received nearly £5 million from the Department for Work and Pensions to support people with their food, energy and other essential household costs.
The scheme runs from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024.
Find out more about cost-of-living payments 2023/24 from the Government’s Cost of Living Hub.
The Council will be distributing these funds through the following schemes:
Food vouchers for school holidays
Vouchers will be provided to children eligible for free school meals to cover school holidays through to Easter in April 2024. Vouchers are for £15 each week and are distributed by the schools. All eligible in receipt of free schools meals will receive the vouchers. There is no need to apply.
Local Council Tax Support Top Up
The Council is topping up the Local Council Tax Support Scheme to provide that the lowest income households in receipt of Local Council Tax Support will not have to pay the minimum payment of Council Tax in 2023/24. This is estimated to be worth up to £117.60 in 2023/24.
Households receiving Local Council Tax Support will be awarded the extra support automatically and do not need to make an additional application. To apply for Local Council Tax support click here.
Discretionary Housing Payments
The Council is topping up the fund available to make Discretionary Housing Payments to meet additional demand. Discretionary Housing Payments are extra payments to help pay rent. They can be awarded to people who are already receiving Housing Benefit or get the housing element of universal credit but need more help with housing costs. To apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment click here.
Energy Crisis Support
The Council is providing Energy Crisis support with grants of up to £250 on receipt of an eligible application. The scheme is now fully subscribed for the budget allocated and closed to new applications.
Extra provision of crisis food
Local foodbanks continue to provide valuable support to residents needing to draw on crisis food provision. Most of the crisis food provided is food industry surplus, where there is no direct cost for the food. However, ongoing high levels of need and less food being provided through surplus sources is creating shortages for some food provision. Budget has been provided for the purchase of some food stocks to ensure adequate supplies. Access to crisis food support is through the local foodbanks.
Support for care leavers
The Council, through its Children and Young People’s Services Directorate, is proving additional living support for food and utility bills for young people leaving care and setting up home. The Council works directly with the young people concerned and there is no need for any additional application process.
VCS support to vulnerable families over Christmas / New Year / Winter
The Council is working with local voluntary and community organisations to supporting vulnerable families over the coming Christmas / New Year / Winter period. This includes food and other living support. Voluntary organisations work directly with the families. Voluntary organisation will be able to bid for funding through Voluntary Action Rotherham in the run up to Christmas. More details will follow.