The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made new funding available to councils in England called the Household Support Fund (HSF). This funding is to support those most in need and to help with the rising cost of living. The fund is intended to support a wide range of households including families, pensioners and people with disabilities.
Types of support that are available through HSF includes:
- Energy bills – water bills and any fuel used for heating and cooking
- Food
- Essentials (clothing, blankets, fridges and cookers)
- Wider essentials (hygiene products, transport)
Households in Solihull can access support through the following schemes:
| Scheme name | Provided by | Details | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Crisis Fund (DCF) | Solihull Council | DCF provides essential household items for people in urgent need. It does not provide cash or loans. | Please call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8284 or visit the webpage for an application form |
| Energy/fuel support scheme | Act on Energy | Act on Energy can support with fuel debt and energy bills including pre-payment meters, new heating installation, repairs/replacement and servicing (all fuel types). | For further information ring the free Act On Energy advice line via 0800 988 2881, 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, or visit the website Act On Energy - Energy Efficiency, Grants & Advice |
| Cost of living grants (for residents of state pension age) | Age UK Solihull | Support with food, energy and water bills, practical measures to promote energy savings and to keep people warm for those of state pension age on low incomes, including older carers. | For further information please visit the Age UK Solihull website or telephone 0121 704 8080, 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. |
| Emergency Hardship Fund | Solihull Community Housing (SCH) | Support for SCH tenants with food, emergency fuel top-ups, energy costs to facilitate reconnection of supply and wider essentials. The Money Advice Team will make awards based on individual circumstances. | Further information is available at Financial Difficulties - Solihull Community Housing |
| Solihull Food Bank Network | Around Again – Colebridge Trust Helping Hands We Care Ltd Solihull Food Bank (Kingfisher) |
For those who do not have immediate access to food | For an emergency food parcel please call Solihull Council on 0121 704 8001 to request a referral |
For further information on more support for households in Solihull please visit our other Here2Help webpages.
You can also find additional support on the Government’s Cost of Living Hub.