£4.8m cost of living support agreed

The allocated funding will be used to:

• Provide direct financial support to eligible residents to cover essential costs
•  Issue holiday food vouchers to eligible children during school holidays
• Extend the Winter Support Payment scheme for another year, providing a £200 payment to residents aged 65 and over who may be eligible for Pension Credit but not yet in receipt or are still to apply for the benefit. The scheme has already proven successful, with 92% of nearly 3,000 eligible residents receiving the payment in the previous round
• Enable Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners to deliver food banks, food clubs, and food schemes
• Support additional council services including housing and adult social care

Since HSF’s introduction in October 2021, Salford City Council has received more than 50,000 applications for support. In the past 12 month period (2024-2025), the council has received 11,051 applications for support and distributed £1.7 million in crisis support to residents across the city with energy, food and other essential items.

In the previous funding round covering October 2024 to March 2025, the council provided over 17,000 holiday food vouchers to families and children during school holidays.

The current round of funding, round seven (part one) is open until Tuesday 30 September 2025 and supports households struggling with the cost-of-living to cover food, energy and fuel costs. Residents who need support can apply directly for funding online or call Salford’s HSF helpline.

• Eligibility: Open to Salford residents who need financial support with the cost-of-living, specifically to cover cost for food, fuel and energy, regardless of benefit status.
• How to apply: Residents who need support can apply directly for funding on Salford's Household Support Fund webpage or call Salford’s Household Support Fund helpline on 0800 011 3998.

Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty at Salford City Council, said: “The Household Support Fund continues to be an essential safety net for people in Salford. Our focus is to make sure vulnerable residents are supported in the best way possible and ensure that every resident facing financial challenges receives the necessary support. This latest round of funding will help us to continue supporting residents with vital assistance and help continue our ongoing effort to build a fairer, more inclusive society.”

The funding is distributed by Salford City Council’s Salford Assist team. The funding is discretionary and is awarded via shopping vouchers and fuel meter top ups to those who meet the eligibility criteria. Salford residents do not need to be in receipt of benefits to apply for the Household Support Fund and can apply for the scheme if they are also in receipt of other benefits and pension credits, however applicants need to provide evidence that they do not have the funds themselves to purchase the items requested.

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett added: “This funding has made a real difference to people’s lives in Salford. It has helped families put food on the table, kept homes warm during winter, and ensured that children don’t go hungry during the school holidays. We’re committed to using this funding to keep that support going. I urge any resident facing financial difficulties to explore the support available through the Household Support Fund.”

This support forms part of Salford’s wider Tackling Poverty strategy which aims to make Salford a fairer and more inclusive place where everyone can live prosperous and fulfilling lives free from poverty and inequality. The funding has come from the Department for Work and Pensions. 
 
To learn more about this funding and how to apply visit Salford's HSF webpage.

To view the cabinet papers and allocation information visit Salford City Council's website.