Overview

• The Household Support Fund provides councils with resources to aid vulnerable households with essentials like food and energy bills.
• Initially launched in 2021, the fund has been extended multiple times due to persistent economic hardship.
• The latest extension comes as the government faces criticism for cutting winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners.
• Local councils have expressed strong support for the fund, citing its crucial role in assisting families during school holidays and other crises.
• Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledge the necessity of the fund while preparing for a 'painful' autumn Budget.