At Point North, we’re committed to finding ways to address immediate needs in our communities, and the Household Support Fund (HSF) has been a vital part of this effort.
Here we share the findings from the report on the Fund’s impact and the innovative approach used to support people who need it the most in County Durham.
What is the Household Support Fund?
The Household Support Fund (HSF), provided by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), is a discretionary fund designed to assist vulnerable households with essential costs. Administered by local authorities, its aim is to provide immediate relief for people who are struggling to afford energy and water bills, food, and other necessities.
In early 2023, Durham County Council recognised the need to broaden its distribution mechanisms for the HSF to reach more local people impacted by the rising cost of living. To meet this challenge, the Council allocated £2,400,924 to Point North to work with local charities and voluntary groups to deliver targeted support to eligible households.
An additional £110,000 was provided to help grassroots organisations build capacity to administer the Fund effectively.
How did we distribute the fund?
We chose to allocate the Fund in two ways to increase the diversity of recipients:
- Large grants: to established partners who had previous experience distributing HSF.
- Small grants: awarded to 39 smaller grassroots charities new to distributing HSF funds.
In total, 43 partners across County Durham received £2,510,924 to support their local communities over twelve months.
This approach meant that funding reached a diverse range of charities, and allowed those charities to be creative in how they supported people in crisis so that at the very point of delivery help remained free from stigma.
Making a difference to local communities
The Household Support Fund had a transformative effect on individuals and communities in County Durham. Here are some key highlights:
- Immediate Crisis Support: the Fund was designed to provide an immediate response to those in crisis, offering small emergency grants that had life-changing effects. For example, preventing 24 evictions, keeping people and families in their homes.
- Community Engagement: many charities used the funding to engage more deeply with their local communities, increasing the use of community venues and growing volunteer numbers.
- Adaptable Support: charities tailored their support to meet specific needs, providing wraparound services that extended beyond financial aid. This included connecting people to advice on debt, housing, mental health, and employment.
Four key statistics
- Direct support for over 66,500 people: the Fund supported more than 66,500 people across County Durham, showcasing its wide-reaching impact in addressing crises and essential needs.
- Cost-effective intervention: at an average cost of just £36 per person, the Fund provided crisis support while demonstrating an exceptional impact in alleviating immediate hardships.
- Significant fiscal savings: for example, the Fund supported people with rent/mortgage arrears meaning at least 24 evictions were avoided, saving c.£204,000 in public service costs. Additionally, in helping 40 people into work meant fiscal benefits exceeding £575,000.
- Support beyond a crisis: approximately 10,600 people (16% of beneficiaries) were referred to additional services, addressing broader issues like debt management, housing, and mental health, amplifying the Fund’s long-term impact.
Overcoming barriers for grassroots organisations
One unique aspect of the programme was the additional funding to help smaller charities overcome the initial reluctance to apply for HSF due to administrative challenges.
This, along with Point North’s hands-on approach to guiding organisations through the application process, ensured that even the smallest organisations, which are often closest to the community, could participate and make a difference.
Flexible funding matters
The Fund’s flexibility allowed partners to address complex, sometimes chaotic situations, providing rapid solutions that made a tangible difference. Whether it was helping a family avoid eviction, supporting someone fleeing domestic abuse, or ensuring access to basic utilities, the Fund proved to be a vital lifeline.
Looking ahead
The success of the Household Support Fund in County Durham highlights the importance of discretionary funding that allows local organisations the autonomy to respond to crises creatively and effectively. The low cost per individual supported, combined with the significant fiscal and social benefits, demonstrates the potential for such funds to make a lasting impact.
"As we share this report, we’re reminded of the power of community-driven solutions in addressing poverty and the consequences of poverty.
The feedback from our partners is clear: the Fund not only supported individuals in need but also strengthened community infrastructure, ensuring a legacy of support and resilience.
We’re proud of our role in facilitating this work and hope the findings inspire continued investment in local solutions that address the root causes of poverty and provide practical support to those who need it most and, crucially, when they need it the most."
