The Household Support Fund was launched during the pandemic but has been continued amid high inflation and rising cost of living

The news that the government has agreed to extend its support fund for vulnerable people has been welcomed by London Councils.

Originally launched in October 2021 by the previous Conservative government, the Household Support Fund has helped those struggling to afford energy and water bills, food, home essentials and school uniforms, with up to £2.5billion of welfare support handed out via local authorities.

The fund has continued beyond the pandemic since rising energy bills, food and basic necessities have left many people still needing help. It had been due to end this month but has now been extended until March.

Anthony Okereke. London Councils’ executive member for communities, said: “The government’s decision is hugely welcome news.

“The life-changing impact of the fund is clear. In London, boroughs have used the fund to provide meals for thousands of children during school holidays, help low-income households pay for essentials such as gas bills or school uniforms, and open warm hubs to support residents struggling with heating costs.

“With so many Londoners still facing immense cost-of-living pressures, the extension of the Household Support Fund to March 2025 will boost boroughs’ ability to assist them through the winter months.

“London boroughs will also continue to engage with the government over the future of local welfare provision, making the case for long-term funding that better enables us to help those residents at risk of financial hardship.”

In 2023/24 London boroughs spent £135.7m through the Household Support Fund to assist low-income Londoners. Research by London Councils published in January found that the Household Support Fund has been used to provide meals for 472,000 children in London during the school holidays and give emergency food support to 218,000 families.

Voluntary and community sector organisations have also been helped to deliver more local services.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.