Herefordshire Council has received an allocation of £2,659,203.57 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under the Household Support Fund.

In line with DWP guidance most of the funding should be earmarked to support those most in need and affected by the recent cost of living crisis. The decision to support care leavers between the ages of 18 to 25yrs old would meet the recommended guidance.

Care leavers are a vulnerable group who are at greater risk of poor health, unemployment and poverty by virtue of the fact they have experienced significant trauma during their childhood. They have been identified as a demographic risk from the increasing prices of fuel and heating this winter By providing care leavers with financial assistance from the Household Support Fund will enable them to keep warm over the winter without having to stretch their finances even further.

The financial support could benefit up to 225 care leavers and enable the recipient to receive up to a £220 payment. The payment will be used to support with energy costs during the winter period when usage tends to be higher. Purchasing of wider essentials such as air fryers and electric blankets that would contribute to reducing overall energy consumption will also be an acceptable use of the financial support provided.

The money will be held in children’s finance. Applications to use the fund will be made by the Children in Care Social Workers or Care Leavers Personal Advisors via Access to Resources Panel/Agreement via Head of Service for Corporate Parenting.