Law or policy

Household Support Fund (HSF7)

2 stories · discussed at 2 council meetings · 3 councils

Councils are discussing the future of Household Support Fund (HSF7) support as it approaches its March 2027 end.

Barking and Dagenham councillors raised concerns in September 2026 about the adequacy of funding for long-term solutions to food insecurity as the Household Support Fund (HSF7) is set to conclude in March 2027. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard that 20.1% of residents reported going hungry due to affordability issues, with councillors questioning plans for resident assistance once HSF7 ends. The council is developing a programme based on the Food Ladders.

The Household Support Fund (HSF7), a government fund supporting households with essential costs, is scheduled to end in March 2027. In September 2026, Westminster's Value for Money and Innovation Policy and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to review a Cabinet Member decision regarding the transition from HSF7 to the Crisis and Resilience Fund, including a revised budget.

Key facts

  1. In September 2026, 20.1% of Barking and Dagenham residents reported going hungry due to affordability issues. Source 1 Source 2
  2. The Household Support Fund (HSF7) is scheduled to conclude in March 2027. Source
  3. Barking and Dagenham Council is developing a programme based on the Food Ladders. 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.

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