Nottingham City Council has announced a significant shift in how it supports residents facing financial hardship. The new £21.2 million Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is designed to provide a safety net for the city’s most vulnerable households over the next three years. This government-backed programme replaces the previous Household Support Fund, moving away from short-term emergency fixes toward a more sustainable model of financial stability.
Starting in April 2026 and running through March 2029, the fund will allocate approximately £7 million each year. The goal is twofold: to provide immediate relief for those in urgent need and to invest in services that prevent residents from falling into financial crisis in the first place.
What changes
The transition to the Crisis and Resilience Fund introduces several key updates to how local support is managed and delivered in Nottingham:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Funding | £21.2 Million over three years |
| Annual Budget | Approximately £7 Million |
| Program Duration | April 2026 – March 2029 |
| Application Date | Opens 26 May 2026 |
| Primary Goal | Crisis relief and long-term financial resilience |
| Access Model | “No wrong door” central website and referral system |
Unlike previous funding rounds that were often renewed on a short-term basis, this three-year commitment allows the council and its partners to plan long-term interventions. It also shifts more power to local neighbourhoods through a new community grants scheme.
The four pillars of support
The CRF is structured around four specific areas to ensure that help reaches residents regardless of their specific circumstances.
- Crisis Payments: This is the immediate safety net. It is intended for residents facing urgent financial difficulties, such as being unable to afford food, energy bills, or essential household items.
- Housing Support: Dedicated resources will be available to help people stay in their homes, preventing homelessness and assisting those struggling with housing-related costs.
- Resilience Services: This pillar focuses on the future. It includes services designed to improve financial stability, such as debt advice, budgeting support, and help with managing long-term household finances.
- Community Coordination: This involves strengthening local support networks so that help is available within the resident’s own community, rather than just through central council offices.
How to access help and apply
The council is introducing a “no wrong door” approach. This means that regardless of which service a resident first contacts, they should be able to access the full range of support available or be referred quickly to the correct department.
A new central website and support system are being developed to streamline this process. This portal will serve as the primary point of entry for residents seeking financial assistance. While the fund officially begins its cycle in April, the application window for specific grants and support schemes will open on 26 May 2026.
Residents currently in need of help before the new fund launches should continue to use existing council support channels and the remaining allocations of the Household Support Fund where available.
Support for community groups and charities
A major component of the CRF is the community grants programme. Nottingham City Council is inviting voluntary organisations, charities, and grassroots groups to play a direct role in delivering support.
By funding local organisations, the council aims to ensure that aid is culturally competent and physically accessible within different neighbourhoods. These groups will be able to apply for funding in regular rounds to launch projects that help residents manage hardship or build financial skills. Local groups are encouraged to monitor the council’s website for application criteria ahead of the May launch date to ensure they are ready to participate in this city-wide resilience network.
Source: Nottingham City Council
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