Rotherham Council Offers Free Financial Support to Thousands of Households
Thousands of households in Rotherham are set to benefit from free financial support, including supermarket vouchers and help with rent payments, thanks to a funding boost from the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) scheme. According to an article in The Sun, Rotherham Council has confirmed its spending plan for the latest round of funding, which will provide vital assistance to low-income residents.
The council has received £4.387m for the 2025/26 financial year, which will be used to support residents with food, energy grants, and council tax relief, as well as aid for care leavers and other vulnerable groups. As The Sun reports, roughly half of the funding – £2.687million – will be spent on supermarket vouchers for the families of children eligible for free school meals. The vouchers will be given out during the school holidays and will be worth £15 per week. All children who get free school meals will be eligible automatically, and their families will not need to apply.
In addition to the supermarket vouchers, the council will also be making Discretionary Housing Payments to help people cover their rent. These payments will be given to people on Housing Benefit or who get the housing element of Universal Credit but need more help with housing costs. The Local Council Tax Support scheme will also reduce council tax bills for more than 14,000 low-income households.
As reported by The Sun, the council has allocated £500,000 to fund the Energy Crisis Support scheme, which will give one-off £250 energy grants to more than 2,000 households. Young people leaving care and setting up home can also get help for food and utility bills through the Children and Young People’s Services Directorate. Rotherham Council said it’s already working directly with these young people, and there is no need to apply.
The fund will also help provide more food, household goods, and personal hygiene products to foodbanks. People can access this help by visiting their local foodbank or Open Arms drop-in sessions. Another £60,000 is being spent on helping local voluntary and community groups to distribute food hampers and support over Christmas and New Year.
The Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid the cost of living crisis, The Sun notes. Councils up and down the country got a slice of the £421million funding available to dish out to Brits in need. The scheme has been extended multiple times, with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026.
If you’re struggling financially but don’t live in Rotherham, you may still be able to get help from the Household Support Fund. The fund is being split between councils across England, so your local council should have its own plans. What type of help you can get will vary, but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers. It’s worth keeping an eye on your local council’s website or social media channels to see what support is available.
The HSF has undergone several extensions, with the latest one being announced in September 2024. Former chancellor Jeremy Hunt extended the HSF for the fourth time while delivering his Spring Budget on March 6, 2024. The scheme has provided vital support to millions of households across England, and it is expected to continue providing assistance to those in need.
In conclusion, the Household Support Fund has been a lifeline for many households across England, and the latest round of funding will provide vital assistance to low-income residents in Rotherham. If you’re struggling financially, it’s worth checking with your local council to see what support is available.
Source: The Sun
