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The government announced an extension of the scheme in March 2025, which means that support will now be available over the next year through a range of different schemes.

In Worcestershire, £6.95 million of funding has been used to extend energy support delivered by Act on Energy, which provides assistance with the cost of household energy, energy bill debt, and new heating systems for eligible households.

Food voucher support during school holidays will continue until the end of the summer holidays, to help those families in receipt of free school meals.

One-off funding is available in cash vouchers for new pension credit recipients. Other pensioners, carers or people with a disability on a low income will be able to access cash vouchers and support through the ŮͬÐÔ°®Advice Network, led by Age UK Wyvern. An additional one-off voucher for low-income households with high-energy-use medical devices is also available.

There will also be additional activity focused on longer-term preventative advice and support to make more lasting change for residents.

District councils have been allocated around a quarter of the overall funding and are supporting a range of other measures in local communities.

Hannah Perrott, assistant director for communities and provider services, ŮͬÐÔ°®County Council, said: "We welcome the government announcement of the extension of the Household Support Fund and the move towards a more preventative approach. We will continue to work closely with our district councils and voluntary sector partners to provide support to those most in need."

For more information on the support available across ŮͬÐÔ°®and how to apply, please visit worcestershire.gov.uk/householdsupportfund
Wider cost of living information is available on the county council website worcestershire.gov.uk/cost-living-support