Vital support will continue to be provided for vulnerable residents across Peterborough after members agreed plans to deliver special funding.
Peterborough City Council was recently awarded £3.22m as part of the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) which provides crisis support to households and has been extended for a further 12 months.
At a meeting of the authority’s cabinet at Sand Martin House today, members agreed delivery plans for this funding which will be used to help vulnerable residents in urgent need of essential items and support.
Since the HSF was introduced in November 2020, the council has established successful schemes, such as the popular cost of living support hubs and supermarket vouchers initiative, which will now continue for 2025/26.
Councillor Alison Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the government has chosen to extend the HSF which has helped thousands of vulnerable people in our city over the past five years.
“We are fully aware that times are still tough for many residents and we will continue to do all we can to help those in urgent need. As we always say, there is absolutely no shame in asking for support and I would urge anyone struggling to get in touch with us and consider the help available.”
The council has previously used HSF funding to provide food vouchers to school pupils eligible for free school meals during the school holidays, helping to reduce the pressure on families, particularly during the summer and Christmas periods. A total of £2,075,00 will be allocated so that the scheme can continue to run during 2025/26.
Twenty four cost of living support hubs will continue to operate, after funding of £563,000 was allocated. Many of the centres are run by faith organisations providing essential food and toiletries and also offer a safe space where people can have social interaction and receive advice, support and signposting to relevant public services.
Remaining funding will be used within the council’s Housing Needs team for homeless prevention and engagement, particularly focussing on supporting clients to either maintain their existing accommodation or to find alternative accommodation through the use of rent deposits and rental payments in advance.
To read the cabinet meeting agenda visit here.