Decision details

• That the Council will deploy a fifth Household Support Fund (HSF) allocation (1 April – 30 September 2024) of £3,537,549.92, in order to provide support to vulnerable households in need of crisis support, with the cost of essentials over the next 6 months.
• That in line with Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) guidance for the fifth phase of HSF, the Council will deliver a programme of targeted and universal support through the following mechanisms:
- Direct award in the form of a shopping voucher to eligible households in receipt of maximum Council Tax Reduction (CTR).
- HSF Exceptional Circumstances Fund for those who have not benefitted from support due to circumstances beyond their control and meet the eligibility criteria.
- Energy support
- Grants for food banks and providers of free or low-cost food.
- Increasing the maximum number of emergency awards available through North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund (NYLAF).
- Support for Care Leavers.
North Yorkshire’s Delivery Plan will be submitted to DWP on 10 May 2024 to reflect the programme.

DWP requires the submission of an HSF Delivery Plan by 10 May 2024 to outline the deployment of allocated funds in North Yorkshire.

Not to utilise the Household Support Fund allocation – this would have resulted in additional support not being available to residents of North Yorkshire.