financial hardship
Councils are establishing new Crisis and Resilience Funds and extending support to residents facing financial hardship.
Croydon Council approved a £19.7 million Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) in September 2026, to be distributed from April 2026 to March 2029 for resident support and long-term resilience. This follows Haringey Council's approval in July 2026 of an interim policy for its 2026/27 CRF, which includes extending free school meal holiday vouchers until September 2026.
In July 2026, Haringey Council also expanded its financial support team with a £1.74 million investment. Camden Council's Cabinet approved a £1 million extension for the Camden Advice Network from April 2027 to March 2028. Several councils, including Islington, Bexley, Barking and Dagenham, Bromley, and Enfield, launched new Crisis and Resilience Funds in March 2026, often replacing previous Household Support Funds.
Croydon Council is initiating a consultation on changes to its Council Tax Support scheme, discussed in September 2026. Waltham Forest Council decided in December 2025 to continue its Council Tax Support scheme for the 2026/27 billing year. Harrow Council has this topic on its agenda for a Council meeting in October 2026.
Key facts
- Croydon Council approved a £19.7 million fund for crisis support in September 2026. Source
- Haringey Council approved a £1.74 million investment to expand its financial support team in July 2026. Source
- Haringey Council approved an interim policy for the 2026/27 Crisis and Resilience Fund in July 2026. Source 1 Source 2
- Camden Council's Cabinet approved a £1 million extension for the Camden Advice Network from April 2027 to March 2028 in July 2026. Source
- Islington Council launched a three-year Crisis and Resilience Fund in March 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.