Gloucestershire County Council has introduced the Crisis and Resilience Fund, a new programme providing support to families experiencing extreme hardship.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments to offer immediate help as well as crisis prevention.
It is a national Department for Work and Pensions initiative, delivered locally by Gloucestershire County Council.
A crisis refers to a sudden event or situation that causes immediate hardship, or puts an individual or family at risk of losing basic safety, wellbeing or financial stability. Examples include:
- Floods or fires causing loss of home or essential belongings
- Medical emergencies leading to immediate financial or practical hardship
- Leaving an abusive relationship, requiring urgent safety and housing support
- Breakages of essential household items, such as a fridge, cooker, or bed, where replacement is critical for safe living
- Redundancy or sudden loss of income, creating urgent financial shock
- Illness affecting someone’s ability to meet day to day essential living expenses
- Unexpected bills, such as funeral costs
- A change or disruption in benefit entitlement, such as a suspension or waiting for an entitlement decision, which creates an immediate shortfall
The county council has received government funding of £17.1 million to support vulnerable residents through the Crisis and Resilience Fund for three years from April 2026 to March 2029.
This funding will mean the council can deliver targeted support, address financial hardship, and build community resilience in line with national priorities. It will allow the council and its partners to respond quickly to residents in crisis, while also investing in support that strengthens communities and helps people get back on their feet when they most need it.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund can help with:
- Crisis payments (same day in urgent cases through cash, vouchers or PayPoint cash codes)
- Food support through supermarket vouchers, or a referral to a local foodbank
- Energy support, including electricity, gas, or heating oil top ups, which is especially vital for rural households not protected by the national energy price cap
- Housing payments to cover shortfalls in rent for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit claimants (applicants must have applied, and been turned down for Discretionary Household Payment and/or Homelessness Grant)
- Essential household items, such as furniture and white goods
- Longer-term support and referral to partner services, by connecting applicants to free debt advice, benefits checks, digital support, training and employment
Ann James, Director of Children’s Services at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Families can face sudden and unexpected challenges that put real pressure on their finances, safety and wellbeing. The Crisis and Resilience Fund allows us to respond quickly when people need urgent help, while also offering support that can prevent problems from escalating.
“This funding will help us work alongside our partners to provide practical assistance, strengthen resilience, and support families to regain stability during difficult times.”
To apply for support, residents can visit Crisis and Resilience Fund.
