London Borough of Harrow has been allocated £1.47 million from the Department of Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund to support vulnerable households facing a rise in the cost of living.
How we will use the funding
- Free school meals (FSM) during the school holiday periods for Autumn 2024 and Spring 2025 terms. Those who receive FSM are eligible for this support
- Application Scheme run by Citizens Advice Harrow to support those who are struggling with the rising cost of living and/or are at crisis point (see below)
- Information and advice through the Conversation Café, targeting support for unpaid carers
- Payments or vouchers for pensioners in receipt of Council Tax Support but not in receipt of any other passported benefits.
- Vouchers for care leavers moving to independent accommodation. Those eligible will receive this support, there is no need to apply
- Food Support via HelpHarrow
- Outreach work with Harrow communities providing ongoing cost of living advice and support
- Supporting residents in rent arrears get their rent arrangements on a better financial footing. The council will directly contact those eligible for this support
Apply for the Household Support Fund
We are working with Citizens Advice Harrow to distribute vouchers to eligible residents. The scheme will remain open until March 2025, or until funds run out.
To be eligible for the scheme you must:
- be a Harrow resident
- be liable for energy/fuel costs for your home
- need support with your day to day living expenses including food and utility bills. You will need to provide 3 months of bank statements as evidence.
- have not had an award from the Household Support Fund application scheme in the last 3 months
- comply with any reasonable conditions concerning the payment award. This may include receiving support from advice agencies
To apply for support, contact Citizens Advice Harrow:
- Phone: 0808 250 5705
- Email: hsf@citizensadviceharrow.org.uk
For more information about how the Government can support you with the rising cost of living, please visit the Government’s Cost of Living Hub.
