Published on Thursday 26 March 2026
BCP Council will introduce a new £4.78 million Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) from 1 April 2026 to ensure residents on low incomes can continue to access vital support when they need it most.
The CRF replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments, which come to an end on 31 March. The new national programme is funded by the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions and provides BCP Council with £4.78 million for 2026/27, with similar funding anticipated for the following two years.
Councillor Sandra Moore, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at BCP Council said:
“The introduction of the Crisis and Resilience Fund means support for residents will continue with a focus on long term financial wellbeing. By working closely with local partners, we’re making sure people can access the right help at the right time and build resilience for the future.”
The CRF will help residents who experience a sudden financial shock, while also investing in longer term services that build financial stability and reduce the risk of future crises. This includes crisis payments for essentials, housing related support, and new financial resilience programmes.
BCP Council will deliver the fund in four main ways:
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Crisis Payment Scheme – offering cash first support for essentials such as food, energy, household items and urgent transport, alongside wraparound guidance.
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Housing Payments – continuing support for urgent housing needs, aligned with new national requirements.
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Resilience Services – including financial resilience support, community grants, and pilot projects aimed at strengthening long term financial wellbeing.
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Community Coordination – investing in local partnerships such as the Access to Food network and coordinated integrated pathways for welfare support.
Further information:
Full details of the new support will be available on the Council’s website ahead of the launch on 1 April. Information for schools, voluntary organisations and referral partners will also be shared in the coming weeks.
For more information and updates, please visit: Cost of living help | BCP