The crisis isn’t over: don’t axe our lifeline

When the cost-of-living crisis hit in late 2021, the UK Government launched the Household Support Fund (HSF) to help the most vulnerable.

This fund will end on Sunday 31 March. We are urging the Government not to axe this vital lifeline so we can continue to provide vital food, warm spaces, advice and support for those still struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Why is this important?

Over the last year, Waltham Forest Council has used £4.2m of HSF money to:

• Provide free breakfasts before the school day starts for 2,135 local children in the most need. 
• Support over 11,000 families with free school meal vouchers. 
• Administer over 5,000 direct targeted payments to vulnerable households. 

If the HSF is not extended beyond Sunday 31 March, we will not be able to make up the funding ourselves. These services will simply not continue. This will have a huge impact on the people who need help the most.

That’s why we are asking you to take a moment to sign our petition to the Government urging it to think again and extend the HSF. Please lend your support and join your councillors, neighbours, and local charities and faith groups to send a clear message: The crisis isn’t over.