Shropshire Council has launched its new Crisis and Resilience Fund, providing vital financial support to residents who are struggling to meet essential living costs or who are facing a sudden financial crisis.
The fund replaces the previous Household Support Fund and is funded by central government through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It will run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.
Shropshire Council has been awarded £3.67 million each year through the scheme. In addition, the council has received around £758,558 of extra, one year funding to help households that rely on heating oil, reflecting Shropshire’s rural communities.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund is designed to support a wide range of low-income households, and Crisis Payments are not limited to people receiving benefits. Support is available for individuals and families who are experiencing short term financial pressure or an unexpected drop in income.
The fund can help with essential costs including:
- food and water
- housing costs
- energy bills, including heating oil and other fuels
- clothing and school uniforms
- essential household items such as beds, appliances and carpets
- transport costs, such as fuel, bus passes or vehicle repairs
- digital essentials, including phone or broadband bills
- hygiene and period products
It can support families with children, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers, people with disabilities, single person households and those affected by one-off financial shocks.
Shropshire Council will also continue to provide free school meal holiday vouchers over the Easter and May half term holidays.
Councillor Roger Evans, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for finance, said:
“The Household Support Fund has now been stopped and replaced by this new Crisis and Resilience Fund which is designed to provide vital financial support to residents who are struggling to meet essential living costs or who are faced with a sudden budgetary crisis. Shropshire Council is to be held responsible for administering the support locally in line with national guidance.”
Proposals on how the council will distribute this new funding provided by Government will be discussed as part of a report which will go to Cabinet on 15 April. This includes providing practical, short-term help with essential costs and ensure that support is available to a wide range of households – not just those receiving benefits.
This funding, including additional support for households that rely on heating oil, will help the council to support people when they need it most, and it is encouraging anyone who is struggling to get in touch and see what help may be available.
How to apply or find out more
Residents can find out more or apply online via the council’s website here.
Alternatively, applications can be made by calling the Welfare Support Team on 0345 678 9078 (select option 2), available:
- 8.45am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
- 10am to 5pm on Wednesday
If someone is unable to apply online or by phone, they can email [email protected] to discuss alternative options.
Anyone struggling with the cost of living can also find wider advice and support on the council’s Cost of living webpages.
For help and support with Council Tax, people can visit the council’s website here.
Residents who already had an application in progress under the Household Support Fund before 1 April 2026 do not need to reapply.
