Salford residents will see £4.8 million cost of living support with plans agreed following the extension of the Household Support Fund.
Salford City Council have announced their plans today (Tuesday 13 May) following the Government’s extension.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) will continue to provide direct financial support to eligible residents to cover essential costs.
The allocated funding will also issue holiday food vouchers to eligible children during school holidays and support additional council services including housing and adult social care.
The cost-of-living support from the council will also see the Winter Support Payment scheme extended for another year.
The Winter Support Payment will see a £200 payment to residents aged 65 and over who may be eligible for Pension Credit but not yet in receipt or are still to apply for the benefit.
The scheme has already proven successful, with 92 per cent of nearly 3,000 eligible residents receiving the payment in the previous round.
The fund will also enable Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners to deliver food banks, food clubs, and food schemes.
Since HSF’s introduction in October 2021, Salford City Council has received more than 50,000 applications for support.
In the past 12-month period (2024-2025), the council has received 11,051 applications for support and distributed £1.7 million in crisis support to residents across the city with energy, food and other essential items.
In the previous funding round covering October 2024 to March 2025, the council provided over 17,000 holiday food vouchers to families and children during school holidays.
The current round of funding, round seven (part one) is open until Tuesday 30 September 2025 and supports households struggling with the cost-of-living to cover food, energy and fuel costs.
Residents who need support can apply directly for funding online or call Salford’s HSF helpline.
Following the extension of the HSF, Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty at Salford City Council, said: “The Household Support Fund continues to be an essential safety net for people in Salford.
“Our focus is to make sure vulnerable residents are supported in the best way possible and ensure that every resident facing financial challenges receives the necessary support.
Cllr Kelly continued. “This latest round of funding will help us to continue supporting residents with vital assistance and help continue our ongoing effort to build a fairer, more inclusive society.”
The funding of the project will be distributed by the City Council’s Salford Assist team and will be awarded in shopping vouchers and fuel meter top ups to those who meet the eligibility criteria.
Residents also do not need to be in receipt of benefits to apply for the HSF and can apply for the scheme if they are also in receipt of other benefits and pension credits.
However, those who do apply need to provide evidence that they do not have the funds themselves to purchase the items requested.
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett added: “This funding has made a real difference to people’s lives in Salford.
“It has helped families put food on the table, kept homes warm during winter, and ensured that children don’t go hungry during the school holidays.
He continued: “We’re committed to using this funding to keep that support going. I urge any resident facing financial difficulties to explore the support available through the Household Support Fund.”
To learn more about this funding and how to apply visit Salford City Council’s website here.
Feature image provided by Salford City Council
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