A new Crisis and Resilience Fund has launched in Cheshire East, providing vital support to residents facing sudden financial shocks and helping households build stronger long‑term financial resilience.
Introduced by the UK Government through the Department for Work and Pensions, the fund will run from April 2026 to March 2029, giving local authorities greater flexibility to support residents when they need it most.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund has been designed to provide timely, practical assistance for people who experience an unexpected financial crisis, while also focusing on preventing future hardship.
Alongside immediate help, the fund places a strong emphasis on longer‑term financial stability, aiming to reduce reliance on emergency support over time.
Eligible residents in Cheshire East will be able to access a range of support through the new fund, including crisis assistance for short‑term emergencies such as a one‑off payment of £200, help for households that rely on heating oil, and support with essential household items like beds and white goods.
The fund can also help with housing‑related costs, provide exceptional cost support where required, and connect residents to services delivered in partnership with local voluntary, community and faith organisations, helping families improve financial security and resilience.
Cheshire East Council will receive £11.3 million in funding over the lifetime of the programme. This includes:
- £3.7 million in 2026/27
- £3.7 million in 2027/28
- £3.8 million in 2028/29
The funding allows the council to plan support over the medium term, ensuring help is available for residents during periods of financial pressure.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund brings together two existing funding streams, the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments, into one simplified and more flexible programme.
By combining these funds, local authorities can respond more effectively to residents’ needs, tailoring support to individual circumstances rather than relying on separate schemes with different rules.
Chair of the Children and Families Committee at Cheshire East Council, Cllr Laura Crane, 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.”
Between 2020 and 2025, Cheshire East Council supported more than 20,000 vulnerable households through the Household Support Fund, helping residents access essential assistance during some of the most challenging economic conditions in recent years.
The new Crisis and Resilience Fund builds on this experience, strengthening the council’s ability to provide both immediate relief and sustainable solutions for residents facing financial hardship.
By combining emergency support with partnership‑based services that promote longer‑term resilience, the Crisis and Resilience Fund aims to support individuals, families and communities across Cheshire East to regain stability and confidence.
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