On the 1 April 2026, the new Crisis and Resilience Fund was launched in England. The Crisis and Resilience Fund gives money to local councils in England so they can support communities before problems happen and help people who are experiencing a financial emergency. This fund replaces the previous Household Support Funding.
Bolton has been awarded £6.1 million and will be using it to provide a range of services.
Local Welfare Provision
If you need help with food, gas, electric or household goods, you can apply for Local Welfare Provision.
You do not need to receive benefits to apply for this help.
We will check
- your identity
- that you live in Bolton
- what your income and expenses are
This information helps us to work out if you need help from Local Welfare Provision.
.Apply for Local Welfare Provision
Children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM)
Families who already receive FSM or who meet the criteria for FSM but have pre school age children, will get help during certain holiday periods.
You do not need to apply, vouchers will automatically be sent to you.
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)
Funded by the Department for Education and co-ordinated locally by Bolton Council, our HAF programme supports children and families on benefits related Free School Meals with free fun and enriching activities alongside a meal for a minimum four hours a day, for four days a week!
Thanks to the Crisis and Resilience Funding we’re expanding our support offer for children and families. This means:
- More school holiday help: Support will now be available during the May, October, and February half term holidays.
- Support will mainly be for children who receive benefits related FSMs.
- However, up to 15% of the funding can be used flexibly to help children who are not on benefits related FSMs but are identified as needing extra support.
- We are increasing places for families who don’t quite meet the FSM criteria but still need help. This will be done through close work with professionals who support vulnerable families across Bolton.
- After school and term time support: We will continue to offer after school support in schools and develop a wider term time offer in primary schools with the highest levels of FSM eligibility.
Visit www.bolton.gov.uk/HAF for more information.
Support for care leavers
Targeted support for care leavers.
Money Skills
Supporting Bolton residents with free, impartial, finance and debt advice, budgeting and energy advice. Visit www.boltonsmoneyskills.org.uk
Bolton Care and Repair
Supporting eligible residents with boiler servicing, repairs or replacement and other essentials. Visit www.boltoncareandrepair.org
Community Support
The Household Support Fund is also being used to provide grants to a range of community-based organisations via Bolton’s Fund (Bolton CVS). These organisations will be providing a range of support across the Borough to residents in financial need.
Community Housing Services
Working together on interventions, protection and prevention plans to help prevent homelessness across Bolton.
Commissioning Advice Services
Funding will be used to directly commission external organisations to provide benefits support and advice to residents.
Unpaid Carers
Managed via the Council’s Adults Department, a budget has been made available to support unpaid Carers.
Warm Spaces
Support available to assist with the provision of Warm Spaces across the Borough during the winter months.
Contingency
As this fund and its objectives are new, it is difficult to accurately predict demand and allocate budgets at this stage. For this reason, a contingency budget has been set aside, allowing additional funding to be distributed flexibly throughout the year as needs become clearer.
Children’s Services
Managed by the Council’s Children’s Services Department, dedicated funding is available to support young people and their families.
Housing Payments
Housing Support Payment claimants need to be in receipt of Housing Benefit and have a shortfall between their benefit award and rent.
Visit Housing payment - extra help – Bolton Council
Employment Support
Money will be allocated to support the provision of employment support, looking to fill gaps and fund new projects, especially around young people.
Cash First
This element is still be developed hoping to be live early summer.
Digital, Employment & Skills
Support will enhance existing services, including the introduction of additional job clubs.
Welfare Rights / Home Visiting Team
Enhanced benefit support provision for residents.
The Council’s Human Resource Team
This funding will support the resources needed to continue coordinating the Council’s work experience programme and to widen access to support for Council job applicants.