Rotherham Council’s Cabinet is set to agree how government funding worth £5.2 million will be used to support some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents and those facing financial hardship.
At the heart of the scheme is a new £1 million Crisis Fund, intended to help those facing unexpected financial shocks that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to manage – including unaffordable energy bills, or the sudden need to replace a household essential item like a fridge, or a boiler repair.
The scheme, which will run for 12 months, replaces the previous Energy Crisis Fund administered by the Council which related only to energy bills. Payments of £80 or £200 will be available, depending on the circumstances.
An anticipated 14,400 low‑income working age households will continue to be supported by the Council Tax Support Top Up scheme, while thousands of families with children in receipt of free school meals will receive one off vouchers to the value of £95 to support them through the school summer holidays.
Funding will also be used to expand the successful Open Arms Rotherham scheme, operated by RotherFed and Citizens Advice, providing further drop‑in financial support sessions in libraries and community venues, with the sessions looking to expand into food banks.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund is a new government grant that replaces the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2026.
Rotherham Council’s Leader, Cllr Chris Read, said: “For too many local families, the cost of living remains a huge concern and recent global events will only have made those worries worse. Too many people are vulnerable to circumstances far beyond their control. We will use this funding to ease the burden on those residents most vulnerable to rising prices, and to keep our commitment to tackle child poverty.
“We want to see people helped into work where they can, and supported when they can’t. But for anyone facing those unexpected events that might otherwise leave them dependent on costly payday loans or going without meals, our new Crisis Fund will be there to help them whether they’re in work or not.
“This of course is in addition to other services provided by the Council, our Employment Solutions team that helps people into work and training, and expanding access to Healthy Holiday activity places for children during school holidays.”
To read the cabinet report, go online to Rotherham Council’s website.
