Hardship Alliance launches next phase of Household Support Fund

The next round of the Household support fund has now been launched. The Council receives the Household Support Fund from central government to distribute based on specific criteria. 

As with previous rounds, the council continues to work in partnership with the Hardship Alliance to manage and allocate the fund. The Alliance is a group of local charities working with the Council - Citizens Advice Wokingham, First Days Children’s Charity, Age UK Berkshire and Wokingham United Charities. 

The current round of funding will run from mid-September until March 2026. Those eligible to receive money from the Household Support Fund will be supported during this period. 

Criteria to receive funding

Ahead of the new round of funding, the alliance reviewed how they had given out the funding and who had received it in all of the previous rounds. This helped create new criteria which aims to better understand people's circumstances and help them transition out of the Household Support Fund, given that this is the final round. The focus is to identify the people with the greatest need, particularly families and individuals facing financial hardship, people with disabilities and older people. These individuals will be contacted by one of the charities about their eligibility for this round of funding. For our first phase of round seven of the Household Support Fund you must meet one or more of the below criteria: 

How to apply for funding

Individuals who meet the requirements for Household Support Funding may be contacted by one of the charities, who will assist with making a personalised plan based on their need to apply for funding. They will also be provided with any necessary support. 

If you have not been in receipt of funding from the Household Support Fund in the past, but are in need of financial support, then please contact a charity in the Hardship Alliance and they will provide help and advice: 

The Hardship Alliance will continue to review the distribution of the funds in line with the new approach and to best meet need. Further information will be issued in accordance with the review processes. 

Amy Garstang, manager at Wokingham United Charities and chair of the Hardship Alliance, said: “This round of the Household Support Fund marks a shift in our approach - we’re focusing on providing more holistic support to those in greatest need. By tailoring our efforts, we aim to offer meaningful help at a time when it’s needed most.”  

Executive member for Resident Services, Inclusion and Fighting Poverty, Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, said: “The Household Support Fund has helped thousands in Wokingham Borough since it was launched in 2021. The impact of the higher cost of living has been felt by all our residents. 

“If you are struggling financially, the Household Support Fund may be able to help. The Hardship Alliance works hard to ensure those in need receive funding to get them back on their feet. They can also provide advice and signpost you to other options that can help in the long-term.” 

Additional support available

There is also other support on offer which everyone can access:  

For more information about support you may be able to access, please visit the council’s Cost of Living page.