Island Residents Invited To Help Shape New Crisis And Resilience Fund

From 1 April 2026, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will introduce a new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) to support people facing financial hardship.

This follows the Government Spending Review in July 2025, which confirmed the end of the Household Support Fund (HSF) — a scheme that has helped many since October 2021 — and announced the CRF as its successor.

The new fund will run for three years.

This CRF aims to:

• provide effective crisis support for those experiencing sudden financial shocks;

• help people build long-term financial resilience, by reducing dependency and repeat need for emergency assistance such as food parcels.

While full details of the scheme are expected from the DWP in January 2026, it has been confirmed that local authorities will deliver the fund and work in partnership with the voluntary and community sector to offer more holistic support.

The Isle of Wight Council is currently exploring how best to use the fund to support the Island community.

Councillor Clare Mosdell, chair of the Adult Social Care, Public Health and Housing Needs Committee, said: 

“This new fund presents an opportunity to rethink how we support people in crisis.

"It’s not just about short-term help — it’s about building resilience and ensuring that residents have the tools and support they need to thrive.

"We’re committed to working with our community partners to make sure this fund delivers real, lasting impact.”

Island residents are encouraged to share their views and ideas to help shape how the fund is used locally by completing a short survey.

The survey is available online, and printed copies are available from local libraries or on request by calling 823644. The deadline for comments is Wednesday, 24 December 2025.