The Household Support Fund (funded by the UK government) has been provided to local authorities to support those who are struggling to cover basic heating costs and access other essential items.
We have developed a number of support schemes to support residents.
As this funding is allocated to South Ribble residents in need of financial support, you may be asked to provide supporting documentation such as proof of income or receive a home visit to survey your needs depending on the scheme you access.
You do not need to be in receipt of benefits to access this support, but you must meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme you are applying for.
The details that you provide us with may be shared with our providers to make sure that you are supported in the right way. We may check the details you provide against other records as part of our efforts to prevent fraud. View further information on the Household Support Fund privacy notice.
Select the below options to view more information on available schemes.
Resident schemes
- Energy and Essentials (grants for residents)
- Warm Home Grants
- Other support including advice and practical support
Energy and Essentials (grants for residents)
We continue to recognise that energy and household costs are increasing for many households.
The energy and essentials scheme can help with short-term living costs such as food, gas electric, water, household bills and clothing.
With your consent we may also sign post you to other sources of advice and support to ensure that you get all the assistance you may be entitled to including welfare benefits and debt advice to help address long term needs, before any decisions are made.
Energy and essentials grant eligibility
To be eligible for the grant you must:
- be a resident of South Ribble (local government district)
- have no more than £2,000 in savings or available funds
- be experiencing financial hardship and not have enough resources to meet your immediate short-term needs.
You do not need to be on benefits to access this scheme.
The level of support available may vary based on circumstances.
- the majority of households who are eligible will receive a £150 voucher towards energy or household essentials
- if you are a single person household, or in receipt of single person discount on your Council Tax, you may be entitled to a further £50 top-up.
You will not be eligible to access the scheme if:
- the household has received a payment from this scheme within the last 3 months
- the household has more than £2,000 in savings or available across all accounts held.
The scheme does not cover:
- any requests for items that are not essential, for example debts incurred by loans, credit cards, overdrafts, or hire purchase appliances/electronics
- applications from those with sufficient income, savings, capital and assets
- requests for support where it is the responsibility of the Landlord
- support with rent arrears and/or deposits.
Accessing the energy and essentials grant
The scheme is open until March 2025 and is first come first served. The scheme may close early if the budget is spent before March 2025.
To access help, please complete a Household Support Fund application form and attach the necessary documentation required.
Please note that if you do not supply all requested documentation your application may be declined and you will need to resubmit your application.
Please allow up to 21 working days after the date of your application before you contact us for an update via email to householdsupportfund@southribble.gov.uk.
If you require further help and support regarding the Household Support Fund please contact us on 01772 625429.
Apply for the Household Support Fund
If you are a Progress Housing Group tenant, you cannot access this scheme via South Ribble Borough Council. We have provided Progress Housing Group with energy and essentials funding to enable them to make payments directly to their tenants. To apply, please get in touch with your Tenant Support Scheme on 0333 320 4555 or email HSF@Progressgroup.org.uk.
Warm home grants
The aim of this grants scheme is to support residents in owner occupied properties to fund home adaptations that create energy efficiency improvements, supporting longer term reduction to the cost of energy bills.
Improvements that this scheme funds includes:
- replacement of broken boiler
- replacement of inefficient boiler (EPC rating F or below)
- replacement of broken timber single glazed windows/doors
- cavity Wall Insulation
- loft Insulation (loft must be clear of any belongings)
Households will be eligible for funding if they meet at least 1 of the following vulnerabilities and have a low income, defined as follows:
Vulnerabilities
- people with a diagnosed cardiovascular condition(s)
- people with a diagnosed respiratory condition(s) (in particular, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and childhood asthma)
- people with a diagnosed mental health condition(s)
- people with a diagnosed disability
- older people (65 and over)
- households with young children up to the age of 5
- pregnant women
- people who are terminally ill
- people with suppressed immune systems (for example, from cancer treatment or HIV)
- people who have attended hospital due to a fall.
The following vulnerable groups will be considered on referral from a professional organisation:
- people who move in and out of homelessness
- people with addiction(s)
- recent immigrants and refugees.
Low income
Low income can be confirmed in one of the following 3 ways:
- someone being in receipt of means tested benefits
- have a total household income no more than £31,000 and less than £5,000 in savings
- a ‘declaration’ by the Local Authority or Health/Social Care professional that affordability issues are present.
Apply for the warm home grant
To apply for the warm home grant, pelase email strategichousing@southribble.gov.uk or call us on 01772 625625 .
Other available support
We are working with trusted partners to provide additional support towards household costs and a range of advice and support.
Advice and support
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice can undertake an independent benefits assessment making sure you are in receipt of all relevant benefits and income. They can also support you to complete benefit applications and refer you to other support.
For the quickest response, please contact them using the Household Support Fund online form and they will advise you when and where they can see you around the borough to assist with benefit calculations and applications.
If you are unable to complete and submit the form, please call at the current Tuesday drop-in in the reception area at the Civic Centre, West Paddock, Leyland between 12pm and 3pm.
Practical support
Regenerage
Regenerage are partnering with us to provide practical, emotional and financial support to those who are struggling with the cost of living.
You can receive a range of support including packs for keeping yourself and your home warm in winter.
Contact them by email to hello@regenerage.org.uk or call them on 01772 552850.
You may also walk in to their base at Beech House, Lancastergate , Leyland , PR25 2EX.