Extra £2 million secured for struggling families in Shropshire thanks to Stuart Anderson MP
An extra £2 million has been secured to help struggling families across Shropshire Council area, after Stuart Anderson MP successfully campaigned for an extension to the Household Support Fund. It takes total support for Shropshire residents through the Fund to more than £14.6 million, as the last government had already invested £12.5 million.
Stuart doubled down on his request for the Fund’s extension following the new government’s decision to restrict eligibility for winter fuel payments. It means that only those in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit will receive it. The extension was originally announced on 2 September, with funding allocations published on 27th September.
The six-month extension commenced on 01 October 2024 and will run until 31 March 2025, with £421 million being provided to deliver the Scheme across England. It will see Shropshire Council continue to offer essential help to the most vulnerable households in the winter months ahead.
Stuart welcomed the extension of the discretionary support scheme which helps vulnerable people in local communities, including households with children, pensioners, and disabled people. Low-income households in need will be supported with the cost of essentials, such as food, clothing, and utilities like energy and water bills.
The last government had previously extended the Fund for a further six months until September 2024, bringing total support to over £3 billion. This further extension will ensure that local authorities can continue to support the most vulnerable families in their communities.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“Households across Shropshire will be feeling the impact of increased energy costs this winter, especially following the removal of winter fuel payments from those not in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit. So, I am glad my campaign to extend the Household Support Fund has resulted in us securing an extra £2 million for struggling households across Shropshire. It will empower the Council to continue supporting those in need with the cost of everyday essentials like energy.”
Support can be provided in a variety of ways, including but not limited to vouchers for food and fuel, directly providing food to households, and issuing grants to third-party providers. Local Authorities have the ties and knowledge to best determine how to best support those in their local areas. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/cost-living-help-local-council.
Household Support Fund Shropshire Allocations:
- 06/10/2021 – 31/03/2022: £2,088,795.13
- 01/04/2022 – 30/09/2022: £2,088,795.13
- 01/10/2022 – 31/03/2023: £2,088,795.13
- 01/04/2023 – 31/03/2024: £4,177,590.00
- 01/04/2024 – 30/09/2024: £2,088,795.13
- 01/10/2024 – 31/03/2025: £2,088,795.13
Total Allocation to Date: £14,621,565.65
