The Household Support Fund in Cambridgeshire is preparing to finish as the national scheme comes to an end.
In April 2024, Cambridgeshire County Council was awarded over £3,580,000 to support households in need and help with the rising cost of living.
The scheme has experienced significant demand, with large numbers of applications being submitted every day through both direct applications to the Council and via partners.
To ensure demand is managed and the fund does not overspend, the scheme in Cambridgeshire will close on 26 July, with all applications received up to 9.00am on that day being processed.
The council’s Household Advice and Support Team will continue to process applications, with the current processing time being approximately three weeks.
If funds remain after all outstanding applications have been processed, the scheme will briefly reopen for new applications.
The closure of the Household Support Fund does not affect the holiday supermarket voucher scheme for families in receipt of free school meals.
Although the scheme is being discontinued, advice is still available to those struggling with the cost of living. Help with utility bills, housing support, emergencies and benefits and the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme from Cambridgeshire County Council can be found on our website.
The Government also offers help and advice with living costs, childcare and maternity costs, managing money and debt and guidance for those over 60 or those who have a disability or health condition.
Cllr Tom Sanderson, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee said: “The Household Support Fund has been an invaluable source of help for thousands of families struggling with the rising cost of living since the Covid pandemic. Although that is being discontinued, there are still many sources of help for those who need it – both on a local and national level. Our commitment to creating a fairer Cambridgeshire will continue.”
