An extra £3.6 million has been secured to help struggling families across Shropshire, thanks to a request made by Stuart Anderson MP. The Household Support Fund has been extended for another year, having first launched in October 2021. It has invested more than £18 million to help vulnerable households across the county.
Now in its seventh iteration, over 30,000 payments have been made to help local families with the cost of living through the discretionary support scheme. Stuart said the further funding will continue to provide vital assistance to low income families, as April’s hikes in energy costs takes effect.
The Energy Price Cap has jumped by more than £9 per month. It means that the cap on typical annual bills has risen by almost £300 under this government. In January, Stuart launched his Energy Saver's Guide. This includes useful information, tips, and guidance on energy tariffs, home insulation, and other ways in which to make to make homes more energy efficient. It complements his Household Support Portal, which details the support available for those struggling financially, including the Household Support Fund.
The funding will see Shropshire Council continue to provide discretionary support for those most in need with the cost of daily essentials such as food, clothing, and utilities like energy and water bills. It can also fund prevention activities such as referrals to debt and advice services, insulation and energy efficiency items that household reduce bills, and repairing or replacing white goods. The support will be available via Shropshire Council from 1st April 2025 until 31st March 2026.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“It is deeply concerning that families across South Shropshire have to now pay even more on energy bills, as the Price Cap has increased again. This means the upper limit on typical annual bills has risen by almost £300 under this government. I am committed to supporting struggling families across South Shropshire. So, I am glad Ministers accepted my request to extend the Household Support Fund. The extra £3.6 million will continue to provide vital assistance to Shropshire families, as this month’s hike in energy bills kicks in.”
Household Support Fund Shropshire Allocations:
06/10/2021 – 31/03/2022: £2,088,795.13
01/04/2022 – 30/09/2022: £2,088,795.13
01/10/2022 – 31/03/2023: £2,088,795.13
01/04/2023 – 31/03/2024: £4,177,590.00
01/04/2024 – 30/09/2024: £2,088,795.13
01/10/2024 – 31/03/2025: £2,088,795.13
01/04/2025 - 31/03/2026: £3,681,439.41
Total Allocation to Date: £18,303,005.06
