Residents across Oxfordshire are set to be able to continue receiving help with food, energy, household essentials and financial advice through a new three‑year cost of living support programme.
Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet has been asked to approve the new programme next week, which will make use of funding from the government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund from April. It replaces the previous Household Support Fund and will provide around £5.12 million each year to support residents who are struggling.
Unlike earlier schemes, this funding is confirmed for three years, allowing a move away from blanket, one‑off payments and towards more targeted support that links immediate help with longer‑term measures to strengthen financial resilience.
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We know that cost of living pressures never disappeared for a lot of people, and rising fuel costs, higher food prices and increasing household bills all continue to place strain on residents, and the impact is often felt most sharply by those already on low or fixed incomes. Sadly, we expect that many more households may feel the pinch again with the ongoing fuel crisis.
“This new programme is designed to make sure that support is available exactly where it’s needed, when it’s needed. By moving away from short‑term, one‑off funding and instead securing a three‑year commitment, we can give residents and local services greater stability and certainty.
“That stability means we can do more than simply respond to immediate crises: we can work with people to improve their financial resilience, help them avoid future hardship, and ensure they’re receiving all the help they’re entitled to.
“Our priority is to protect the most vulnerable in our communities and to make sure no one is left without somewhere to turn. This programme is a key part of that effort.”
Help for people in financial crisis will continue all year round through the Residents Support Scheme. This service provides supermarket vouchers, top‑ups for pre‑payment energy meters and essential home items such as fridges or beds, based on individual needs.
Alongside crisis support, the programme will continue to fund services that prevent future hardship. This includes free debt and benefits advice, supporting around 6,000 people each year, along with help to ensure people are claiming all the benefits they are eligible for, and practical support with budgeting, housing costs and financial wellbeing.
Support for families and children remains a priority. Funding for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will continue, providing meals and activities for eligible children during school holidays.
The programme will also continue to support community‑based help such as community larders, food co‑ops, community fridges and the provision of hygiene essentials including toiletries and cleaning products.
Additional targeted support will be available for people with extra needs, including disabled residents, older people, carers (including young carers), people fleeing domestic abuse, migrants with specific dietary or medical needs, and people leaving hospital who need financial help to return home safely.
Find out more about help available for rising living costs by visiting the council’s website.