Millions of pounds ringfenced to help Wirral’s least well off
Almost £6 million is being used over the coming year to help the most vulnerable and least well-off families and individuals in Wirral.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) a new, multi-year, national funding arrangement replaces both the Household Support Fund (HSF) and Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) from this year.
The Government has given Wirral an allocation of approximately £5.8 million for 2026/27, similar to previous year’s total funding for HSF and DHP.
The emphasis of the funding is continued immediate crisis support combined with longer-term help towards financial resilience and preventing future need to access the help via community co-ordination work, in addition to specific housing related support.
The new funds will help in a variety of ways including helping those affected by fuel poverty and the rising cost-of-living by identifying more of these families in dire financial straits, unable to afford the basics (food, clothing, gas and electricity) and attempt to help them resolve their financial crisis and help them find ways to put themselves onto a more sustainable financial footing.
Other help will focus on ensuring children are provided with lunches during school holidays and emergency school food pantries, to help those struggling to heat their homes and/or facing other difficulties, as well as preventative support including assistance for older people. Extra help for tackling homelessness and vulnerable households and local advice services will also receive funding.
The Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paula Basnett, said:
Many people across Wirral are still finding things tough, and this funding will provide valuable support to those who need it most.
By working alongside our local community and voluntary organisations, we can help ensure support reaches residents when they need it.
I would encourage anyone who is struggling, or knows someone who may be, to find out what help is available.
Details of the allocations are available from the report which went to Wirral Council’s Policy & Resources Committee agreed to the use of the CRF at its meeting on Wednesday 10 June 2026.
