A scheme designed to help Somerset residents struggling with pressures caused by the ongoing cost of living crisis has been extended until the end of March 2026.
Somerset Council has been allocated £6.74million from the Government via the Household Support Fund, which will be directed towards providing critical support for families, older residents, and people facing financial challenges in Somerset.
The funding will be allocated by the Council in several key areas, including:
- Food Vouchers: Distributed through schools to families on Free School Meals.
- Funding for community hubs: Allocating money to community hubs in Somerset via the Somerset Community Foundation so that residents have access to warm spaces, food larders and meal provision if they need it.
- Community Support: Supporting existing Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations such as Age UK, Citizen’s Advice Somerset, and Community Council for Somerset to continue doing their essential work.
- Hospital Discharge Grants: Allocating grants to residents who need support transitioning out of hospital care and back home into the community.
- Emergency Grants: For crisis interventions, distributed by Somerset Community Foundation and the online Auriga portal.
- Council Tax Support: Assisting those in financially challenging circumstances.
- Support for Young People: Reducing the cost of utility bills for young people who are in the Thrive 16+ programme.
The delivery of the Household Support Fund will be overseen by the Connect Somerset transformation programme, a collaborative effort involving Somerset Council, NHS Somerset, and various VCFSE organisations. This partnership ensures that support reaches the most vulnerable individuals and families in our community through established networks and mechanisms. Find out more about Connect Somerset on their website.
Councillor Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council said:
“We know that the increasing cost of living has impacted the lives of many Somerset families and residents, and we are pleased to be able to continue supporting local organisations to do their vital work through the Household Support Fund.”
Find out more about the support that is available via the Household Support Fund and how to apply on the Council’s website.
Residents are encouraged to access the Household Support offer online. If this is not a possibility, Somerset Council’s Customer Services team can help signpost the right support via 0300 123 2224. Somerset Council phonelines are available Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.
Further support is available for Somerset residents, including:
- Help4All – There is further information and advice, including food support for families and residents, parenting support, support with isolation, and more on the Connect Somerset website.
- Financial Hardship Support – Somerset Council provides information on various forms of assistance available to residents facing financial difficulties, including Council Tax discounts, benefits, discretionary hardship payments, debt management resources, housing support, food parcels, cost of living assistance, community loans, energy crisis advice, and leisure discounts, here.
- Foodbanks – There is information about food banks for people in need of emergency food or who want to make a food donation in Somerset here.
