Schemes to help Hull’s most vulnerable residents deal with the cost-of-living crisis will continue after senior councillors agreed the distribution of the Household Support Fund (HSF).
£5.3 million will be spent in the city over the next year on initiatives to help keep residents in need warm, clothed and fed.
It will include continuing to help eligible pensioners with a £200 payment after Government cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Future decisions around support in this area will be dependent on any changes that come forward from ministers on the Winter Fuel Payment.
Eligible families can once again benefit from a £40 school uniform grant as well as food vouchers during holiday periods for those in receipt of free school meals.
Hull City Council will also continue to fund the provision of warm spaces across the city, as well as supporting low-income households to improve their energy efficiency.
The Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, said: “We know that people are continuing to be severely impacted by the ongoing increases in the cost of living.
“As a Council, we’re using this funding to help vulnerable residents afford the essentials.
“No-one should have to make the choice between heating or eating when we get to the colder months, so we’ve allocated this money now to make sure we have the right things in place for the next year.”
The biggest allocation from the 2025/26 HSF is £2.6 million on food vouchers for holiday periods for families receiving free school meals.
There will also be £1 million for the Local Assistance Scheme, to provide Community Crisis Loans and Community Support Grants.
A new element being introduced as part of the HSF in the city is funding for Age UK to support more pensioners in accessing benefits such as Pension Credit.
Councillor Ross added: “While we await clarity on the Government’s reforms to the Winter Fuel Payment, it is important that our older people know what help they are eligible for, and we realise there could be many who are entitled to Pension Credit who are not receiving it.
“Anyone who gets Pension Credit also gets the Winter Fuel Payment and may also be able to claim further help with things like housing costs, council tax and heating bills.
“It is right that the council supports Age UK to provide expert advice to pensioners to ensure they can maximise their incomes.”
The HSF allocations were agreed at a meeting of Hull City Council’s Cabinet on Monday 19 May.
For more information on the Household Support Fund in Hull, visit Household Support Fund | Hull.
