Household Support Fund (HSF)
Councils are replacing the Household Support Fund with local crisis funds, while continuing school meal voucher schemes.
Waltham Forest Council boosted its grocery voucher scheme by £1.6 million in September 2026, bringing the total to £2.39 million, to provide free school meal vouchers during holidays. This decision was made by the Portfolio Lead Member for Communities and Libraries, Councillor Treacy. Haringey Council also extended free school meal holiday vouchers until September 2026 as part of its interim Crisis and Resilience Fund Policy.
Several councils launched new local funds in March 2026 to replace the national Household Support Fund (HSF), a government fund providing financial assistance to households. Islington Council approved a three-year Crisis and Resilience Fund, while Barking and Dagenham Council launched a £4.8 million fund. Bromley Council also launched an £8.9 million Crisis and Resilience Fund, with £2.98 million approved for 2026/27.
Before its replacement, the Household Support Fund was allocated by councils to support vulnerable households. Kensington and Chelsea Council's Leadership Team discussed HSF allocation in November 2025. Haringey Council allocated £4.2 million from the fund for 2025-26, which included £1.99 million for free school meal vouchers and £15,000 for warm spaces.
Key facts
- Waltham Forest Council boosted its grocery voucher scheme by £1.6 million in September 2026. Source
- Islington Council approved a new three-year Crisis and Resilience Fund in March 2026. Source
- Barking and Dagenham Council launched a new £4.8 million Crisis and Resilience Fund in March 2026. Source
- Bromley Council launched an £8.9 million Crisis and Resilience Fund in March 2026. Source
- Haringey Council allocated £4.2 million from the Household Support Fund for 2025-26. 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.