The Household Support Fund was launched in 2021 to support the most vulnerable across the country. This support has totalled £2.5 billion since its launch and last year’s provision in England totalled £842 million. The 153 local councils across England distribute this support to provide food vouchers, support for energy bills, warm clothing and energy-saving measures.
The scheme was debated this evening in Parliament as MPs sought to improve how it runs and its duration. I was keen to speak in this debate as Harrow has directly benefited from it while Hillingdon has operated a similar scheme of help.
The Household Support Fund has allowed the Borough of Harrow to provide funding to some of its most vulnerable residents. Through a tranche of funding, the council allocated £440,000 to HelpHarrow. This funding has enabled HelpHarrow to provide a range of invaluable services to residents.
With this funding, HelpHarrow has been able to provide food support, across the whole of the borough, to support the most vulnerable residents. This has come through food deliveries, community hubs and warm hubs.
With my limited time, I focused my remarks on the work of Hillingdon Council which works through in-house networks and with charitable partners to deliver support. I drew my colleague’s attention to the work that is ongoing locally to support my constituents.
