The government through the Department for Work and Pensions has allocated the council a Crisis and Resilience Fund, this funding replaces the Household Support Fund and will cover the period 1st April 2026 – 31st March 2029.
Crisis and Resilience is intended to support low-income households who encounter a sudden financial shock and to support activity that builds individual and community financial resilience. This includes specified funding for housing support which replaces Discretionary Housing Payments.
Halton Borough Councils Crisis and Resilience Fund Scheme
There will be an application process for low-income households who:
How to apply for help:
| Support | Need | Application Route |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Emergency Support | For people who require short term Emergency Support. | Refer to guidance Or call the freephone number: 0800 952 0016 |
| 2. Community Support | For people who require Community Support to establish or maintain a home independently in the community. | Refer to guidance Or call the freephone number: 0800 952 0016 |
| 3. Housing Payments | For people who need support with Housing Payments to assist with rent shortfalls. | Apply online via Housing Payment Application Or call: 0303 333 4300 |
Resilience Services
We are working with our community partners to deliver financial resilience services. As a first step Citizens Advice are providing a money management service in both Runcorn and Widnes funded by the Crisis and Resilience fund
Further details can be found here
Government information
For further information concerning the help the government is providing during the cost of living crisis please click on this link Cost of Living Hub