Cost of living support extended over winter for Salfordians

The government has extended a cost-of-living support fund available to Salfordians struggling to make ends meet.

The Household Support Fund (HSF), which was introduced in 2021, is now available until Tuesday 31 March 2026.

The funding will be used to provide financial support to eligible residents to cover essential costs and issue holiday food vouchers to children eligible for Free School Meals.

Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise partners will continue to deliver food banks, food clubs, and food schemes and support additional council services, including housing and adult social care.

The previous funding ran from April 2025 to September 2025, with the council receiving over 2,500 applications, providing 49,553 holiday food vouchers to families and children during the school holidays.

Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty at Salford City Council, said: “The Household Support Fund is a vital resource for our community, especially as we head into the colder winter months.

“Our commitment in Salford is to ensure vulnerable residents are supported in the best way possible, and that our residents facing financial challenges receive the help they need. This latest funding round reinforces our ongoing effort to build a fairer, more inclusive society.”

Funding is distributed by Salford City Council’s Salford Assist team, with funding awarded via shopping vouchers and fuel meter top-ups.

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, added: “This fund has played a crucial role in providing essential support to our residents, helping with critical costs such as food and heating, and ensuring children do not go without food during school holidays.

“I want to reassure residents that help is available – I urge any resident facing financial difficulties to explore the support available through the Household Support Fund.”

The support is part of Salford’s wider Tackling Poverty strategy, with all applications being considered regardless of pension credits and benefits.

A member of the Salford Household Support Fund, said: “We’ve made applying easy, as much as we can. So you can apply online if you’ve got access to digital platforms.

“If you’re unable to do that, you can visit one of our gateways to help you to put your application in. Or you can, call us on our number, which is 0800 011 3998.”

Find out more here.