Between April 2025 and March 2026, £1,036,165 from the Department for Work and Pensions will be used by the council to make one-off payments of £150 to support residents who are over 18 and facing financial hardship and provide food vouchers to support families who are eligible for free school meals.
To help connect residents to the network of wider support available in the Royal Borough, the link to apply for funding will be provided on a case-by-case basis with the help of local partners including housing associations, community hubs and charities.
As part of the council’s commitment to ensure that children and young people have a good start in life and opportunities through to adulthood - support will be automatically made to care leavers in the borough.
Families who are eligible for food vouchers will receive these automatically. These families can also maximise the support they receive by taking advantage of free activities for children as part of Achieving for Children’s FUEL Holiday Activities and Food Programme and applying for the one-off payment from the Household Support Fund.
In the latest funding from October 2024 to this March, the council provided almost 13,000 vouchers and 1,337 payments to residents in financial need.
Cllr Catherine del Campo, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing Services said: “The Household Support Fund offers a lifeline for residents facing financial difficulties, including a one-off payment that can be used flexibly to have the greatest impact in their unique situation.
“The fund is just one of the ways that residents can access practical and financial help and advice across the borough, including one-to-one support to manage debt and identify additional sources of income, help to pay council tax and free skills training.
“I encourage anyone who is struggling financially to please reach out early so that we can connect you with local support.”
Residents are encouraged to contact Citizens Advice East Berkshire to learn more about the Fund by calling 0808 278 7914 between 9am and 5pm or attending their drop-in service on Marlow Road, Maidenhead between 10am and midday on Mondays and Wednesdays.
More information about support services in the Royal Borough, including a full list of organisations delivering the Household Support Fund, is available via the council’s ‘Here to Help’ Hub.
Residents who are unable to access information online are encouraged to speak to library staff who will direct them to one of the local services that can help them to apply for support.