County Council to support residents with £17.1 million Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Crisis and Resilience Fund will provide Gloucestershire County Council with £5.7 million each year from 2026 to 2029 and replaces the Household Support Fund, giving the county a multi‑year approach to helping people when they need it most.

This funding is essential to maintain and enhance the council’s ability to 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.

Gloucestershire County Council’s Cabinet is set to accept the new grant funding at their meeting on Wednesday, 18 March.

The fund will provide practical help with essentials such as food, fuel, housing‑related costs and travel. A proportion of the funding will also be used to support local voluntary and community organisations delivering services such as financial advice, social and digital support, and help into work.

Cllr Ben Evans, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Care at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We know that many people across Gloucestershire are still finding things tough, and this funding will make a real difference to those who are struggling.

“It means we can step in quickly when someone is facing a crisis, but it also gives us the chance to do more than just short‑term fixes. By working with trusted local organisations, we can help people build stability and resilience, so they’re better supported in the long run.”

The new fund reflects the council’s wider commitment to reducing inequality and supporting the most vulnerable residents in its communities.

Further information on how residents can access support through the Crisis and Resilience Fund will be shared later this year, ahead of the new arrangements coming into effect.