New Crisis and Resilience Fund to support Cheshire East residents facing financial hardship

A new fund to support residents experiencing financial hardship has been launched in Cheshire East.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is designed to provide timely and effective support for residents who experience a sudden financial shock and find themselves in crisis. Alongside immediate help, the fund will also focus on strengthening longer term financial resilience, reducing the need for emergency support in the future.  

Eligible residents in Cheshire East will be able to access a range of support through the CRF , including: 

• Crisis support to help residents manage short term financial emergencies, including a one-off payment of £200 
• Assistance for households that rely on heating oil for home heating 
• Help with essential household items such as white goods and beds 
• Support with housing related costs 
• Access to services delivered in partnership with local voluntary, community and faith organisations to help households improve financial security and resilience 
• Exceptional cost support where needed  

Councillor Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East Council’s children and families committee, said:

“We know that money worries can crop up unexpectedly and affect anyone, so it’s really important that help is there when people need it.

"The new Crisis and Resilience Fund is designed to support residents through immediate challenges, while also working with our voluntary and community partners to help people build longer-term stability. Our priority is making sure support is easy to access, offered at the right time, and suited to the needs of local people.”  

Cheshire East Council will receive £11.3 million in funding over the three year programme, comprising £3.7 million in 2026/27, £3.7 million in 2027/28 and £3.8 million in 2028/29.  

The Crisis and Resilience Fund has been introduced by the UK Government through the Department for Work and Pensions and will run from April 2026 to March 2029. The new fund brings together the existing Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments into a single, more flexible programme for local authorities.  

Between 2020 and 2025, Cheshire East Council provided vital assistance to more than 20,000 vulnerable households through the Household Support Fund, ensuring residents received essential help during challenging times. 

Residents can find out more about eligibility and how to access support here:

Crisis and Resilience Fund webpage.   

Further information on benefits and support can be found here:

www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/benefits