Hardship Support

Warwickshire Crisis & Resilience Fund

Warwickshire County Council is now administering the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), a national government scheme that provides support to low income households experiencing financial crisis and help build longer term financial resilience.

Many types of emergency support previously accessed through the Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme are now delivered through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) supports low‑income households who are experiencing a sudden, unexpected financial shock, such as an urgent expense or a sudden loss of income.

CRF provides short‑term emergency support to help people meet essential living costs when they have no other reasonable options. It also aims to support people to become more financially resilient, so they are less likely to face similar crises in the future.

CRF can also provide urgent support with heating oil for people on low incomes who rely on oil to heat their home or water and need to top‑up their tank as a matter of urgency.

Fund Duration

The Crisis and Resilience Fund is provided by the UK Government and runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.

We encourage residents to check the CRF page to understand what support is available and how to apply.

Find out more and apply via the Crisis and Resilience Fund page.

Debt and Benefits Support

Citizens Advice provides free, confidential, impartial and independent advice on a range of subjects, including benefits, debt, money management, consumer rights, employment and more.
Call 0800 144 8848 or visit: www.casouthwarwickshire.org.uk
For more information on debt advice, Universal Credit and help with household bills, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/benefitsandwelfare

Housing Advice and Support

Contact Warwick District Council

Visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/hrs . Tel: 01926 456129

Help with Household Costs

If you are struggling to pay bills or manage energy debt, call the Act On Energy helpline on 0800 988 2881 or visit www.actonenergy.org.uk for advice.

Other support is available from:
• Warm Homes Plan: https://www.warmhomesplan.co.uk/
• British Gas Energy Trust:  www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk
• Council Tax Benefit:  www.gov.uk/council-tax-benefit
• Housing benefit:  www.gov.uk/housing-benefit
• Warm Home Discount Scheme: https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

Help for Families

The Family Information Service is a one-stop shop for Warwickshire families looking for information, advice and one-to-one support on all family matters such as childcare, relationships, health, finance and special educational needs and disabilities.

Go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fis or call 01926 742274

Food supply help and advice

For a range of food solutions for people who may be isolated, vulnerable or in financial crisis visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/foodsupport

Foodbanks in Warwickshire offer food support if you are in financial difficulty. If you need a food parcel because you’re unable to afford food, contact your local food bank. Find details at
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/foodbanks

Low-income families whose children are eligible for free school meals will be offered meals for those children by their schools, during term time. Apply at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

Other help/links

• Cost of Living Warwickshire – Information, advice, and support to help you manage cost‑of‑living pressures
• Government help for households – Find out what national cost‑of‑living support you may be eligible for
• Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme – Support for children during school holidays
• CAVA are the local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Infrastructure Organisation providing vital support to volunteers, groups, organisations, enterprises and charities who are working to strengthen communities.
• Compassionate Kenilworth strive to reduce social isolation and loneliness, creating a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.