Vulnerable families in Sefton will be supported through more than £4.2 million in funding in the year ahead.
The money provided through Sefton Council will ensure things like free school meals during school holiday times; support for local foodbanks; a contribution to the Affordable Warmth Team; energy meter top up vouchers; the provision of winter coats and clothing; ASDA vouchers and more.
The money is coming through the Government extending the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026.
Funding of £742 million will be provided to enable the HSF extension in England, with £4,291,811.27 provided to Sefton.
This is a reduction of £578,411 on previous 12 month awards.
Sefton Council will use the money to help vulnerable households in the most need with the cost of essentials and wider essentials.
The local authority will also consider offering some preventative support, which has a longer-term sustainable impact alongside the provision of crisis support.
It will also use funding to support households with housing costs where existing housing support does not meet this need.
Sefton also has the discretion on how to identify and support vulnerable households, taking into account a wide range of information.
It will work together with third parties including local charities, community groups and other local services.
The proposals for HSF7 in Sefton are:
Free School Meals – to fund Easter 2025, June half term, 6 weeks summer holidays, October & February half term and Easter 2026 @ £15 per week per child & 2 weeks at Christmas at £25 per week per child – 15 weeks in total. £2,673,000
Open Application Scheme – mandated by DWP and administered by ELAS for those that don’t meet ELAS criteria but require help from the LA £829,220
Foodbank – contribution to foodbanks £100,000
Affordable Warmth Team – continue to support residents with boiler replacement, draught proofing etc… £130,000
Energy Project Plus – provide meter top up vouchers to be distributed by Energy Project Plus £50,000
Leaving Care Team – a range of supportive interventions targeted at children leaving care and transitioning into adulthood. £100,000
CVS Warm / Welcome Hubs project – continuation of the warm spaces model throughout the year £75,000
CVS Winter Clothing project – to provide winters coats and clothing to value of £100 per adult £50 per child £75,000
Winter Pyjamas & dressing gowns distribution via Family Well Being Centres £10,000
ASDA Vouchers – voucher purchase for distribution by Family Hubs £25,000
School Uniform Project – to fund school uniform purchase for those that are in need £10,000
Admin & Management – 5% to cover additional staffing costs in Revs & Bens in providing the Open Access Application Scheme as well as portion of staff time (Communities & Finance) in administering HSF £214,591
Total £4,291,811
The Free School Meals element usually covers the 13 weeks school holiday with an increase in provision at Christmas.
Due to the way Easter falls in 2026 Sefton Council is proposing to cover two Easter periods (2025 & 2026) hence covering 15 weeks.
This increase in expenditure for free school meals and the reduction in overall grant means the budget for the open access application scheme is reduced compared to previous years.
This is likely to result in the scheme being closed to new applications at various points in the year to ensure the budget lasts as close to year end as possible.
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