a person takes coins out of a purse. In the background, a radiator is visible. We can only see the person's hand and sleeve.
Groups can apply for funding for Warm Spaces via the Cost of Living Community Grants scheme. Picture credit: Atlascompany

Council makes grants available to boost communities

Hull City Council will boost the important work being done within the city’s communities by making grants available to local groups.

The Cost of Living Community Grants will enable voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to provide support to households through the upcoming colder months, allow them to manage their spending on outgoings such as energy and food, and to help them deal with debt.

Organisations may also use the grants to provide Warm Spaces and social activities.

The grants are administered by the Hull-based umbrella group Forum, with pioneering local firm Ideal Heating providing additional business sponsorship.

The scheme is primarily funded by the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund (HSF), which is used in Hull to help the most vulnerable, including through providing Warm Spaces, free school meals during holiday periods, targeted financial assistance for low-income pensioners, and assisting food banks.

The Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, said: “We’ve set out our aim for a healthier and fairer Hull through our Community Plan, and I’m pleased that we can offer these grants to these organisations who have a good understanding of how the funding can be best spent.

“These Cost of Living Community Grants allow our fantastic local community and voluntary sector groups to apply for up to £8,000.”

Stevie Spinks, Divisional Sales Director for Social Housing at Ideal Heating, said: “We’re proud to once again stand alongside Hull City Council in supporting this important community initiative.

“As a long-established local employer, we see first-hand how rising living costs continue to impact families and individuals across our city.

“That’s why we’re contributing through our Corporate Social Responsibility programme to help make a practical difference.

“These grants will empower grassroots organisations to provide vital support – whether that’s warm, welcoming spaces, help with household bills, or simply a place to connect and feel less alone.”

The Cost of Living Community Grants scheme continues the Warm Spaces provision offered by Hull City Council via the Household Support Fund to local groups, which has included previous funding branded as Affordable Warmth.

Groups are being urged to act now as this will be the only Warm Spaces scheme offered to them via the HSF in the 2025/26 financial year.

Applications must be submitted by 9am on Monday 11 August.

For more information, including guidance on how to make an application, visit Cost of Living Community Grants – Forum.

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