Household Support Fund

The government have provided Household Support Funding to local authorities for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025.

The funding will be spent in Leeds as follows:

Helping low-income households with energy and food costs

A payment will be made to households living in Leeds who are in receipt of Council Tax Support. The payment will be £40 to all households. However, some pensioner households who are eligible for Council Tax Support but not the 2024 to 25 Winter Fuel Payment will receive £150.

View more information on Pension Credit and for help in claiming Pension Credit check the Leeds Money Information Centre which provides information about how you can access free, confidential and impartial help and advice.

This direct payment from the Household Support Fund will be based on information held on the Council Tax Support claim. Households in receipt of Council Tax Support on 6 January 2025 will receive an award. These payments will be made in January 2025 and we will contact those who are eligible.

Learn more about Council Tax Support.

Emergency help

Additional funding will be available to residents who need emergency support with the costs of food, energy or household items. Residents can contact the Local Welfare Support Scheme on 0113 376 0330.

Find more information about help with food and bills.

The Local Welfare Support Scheme is an emergency scheme which provides support in a time of crisis and is restricted to one application within any 12 month period.

Funding the voluntary and community sector

We are funding voluntary and community organisations across the district so they can support vulnerable people who are in need and have a low income with the costs of energy, food and essential household items. This includes extra funding to increase the supply of food to local food aid providers and to organise a network of Welcome Spaces over the winter months.

Funding has been given to the following organisations:

• Voluntary Action Leeds - Cost of living and the third sector in Leeds - Doing Good Leeds
• Leeds Food Aid Network
• Forum Central
  

You can search for emergency food support available near you using the Food aid provision map 2024.

Additional support

Funding is available to council services supporting vulnerable, low-income households so that they can offer additional financial support where appropriate. Residents cannot apply for this support directly.

The Leeds Money Information Centre provides information about how you can access free, confidential and impartial help and advice on a range of money related matters, such as debt, money, energy and utilities.