A new £22.66 million crisis fund is now available to help Somerset families who are struggling to afford heating and other essentials. The funding, secured from the Department for Work and Pensions, is guaranteed for the next three years and marks a significant shift from previous short-term support schemes.
Somerset Council has partnered with Citizens Advice Somerset to distribute the funds, with a newly established online application system allowing families to apply directly through the Citizens Advice website. A specific allocation of £1.2 million is designated to support households that rely on heating oil, a fuel source that has seen sharp price increases.
Councillor Heather Shearer emphasized the fund's dual purpose: "The Crisis Resilience Fund aims not only to provide immediate crisis support but also to strengthen our community by bolstering the organizations that already assist our families."
The support extends beyond direct payments. The fund will also finance crucial support services, including debt advice, budgeting guidance, and employment counseling, all offered by Citizens Advice Somerset.
Angela Kerr, CEO of Citizens Advice Somerset, highlighted the integrated approach: "Combining crisis payments with preventative and wraparound support will make a real difference for those facing financial hardship."
The launch comes amid growing concerns about heating affordability, particularly in rural areas. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke has warned of the risk that people "will not be able to afford to heat their homes," calling for more government assistance. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has acknowledged the "unique challenges" faced by households using heating oil and has pledged to develop an action plan.
The council has stated that a portion of the money will be delivered through a "cash-first" approach to provide immediate financial support, aiming to "ensure dignity and choice" for recipients.