A new scheme to support Islanders facing serious financial hardship is being launched this spring.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) will launch on 1st April 2026, bringing around £2.2 million a year to the Island for the next three years.
Funded by central government, the new fund will replace the Household Support Fund, which comes to an end on 31st March.
Supporting low‑income households
The CRF is aimed at supporting low‑income households who find themselves facing an unexpected financial shock.
The scheme offers practical help in the short term while working with people to build longer‑term resilience to prevent further financial shocks.
The council’s aim is to ensure help can be delivered quickly and adapted to meet the needs of local people. The council will be working closely with community partners to coordinate services and strengthen the support available.
What the fund will support
The CRF will provide emergency crisis payments, housing‑related support for those struggling to meet rental costs, and access to services such as income advice, debt support and budgeting guidance.
The scheme will also strengthen links between local organisations so residents can be more easily connected with the right support.
“Warm referrals”
A key part of the new approach is the use of “warm referrals”, meaning staff will help residents make direct contact with the services that can assist them, rather than simply pointing them in the right direction.
The aim is to stop people falling into repeated crises and to make support easier to navigate.
Local voluntary and community groups will be invited to apply for grants to help deliver parts of the scheme, following workshops held with partners earlier this year.
Information, advice and guidance
As part of the CRF, the council will also be offering information, advice and guidance to residents — including practical information to help people manage cost‑of‑living pressures and understand the support available — as the authority brings this service in‑house.
Councillor Debbie Andre, chair of the council’s adult social care, Public Health and housing needs committee, said,
“This fund will make a real difference to people who find themselves facing sudden and genuine hardship.
“By working closely with our community partners, we can make sure residents not only get urgent help when they need it, but also the long‑term support that helps them get back on their feet and empowers people to better manage financial shocks and opportunities to improve their own financial resilience.”
Poverty Reduction Strategy
The CRF supports the Island’s wider Poverty Reduction Strategy, which aims to ensure residents can access timely, effective and respectful support.
While the fund does not replace the national social security benefits system, it is expected to offer fast, practical assistance at moments when households are under real pressure.
More details about the CRF and the council’s new advice and guidance services, including how they can be accessed, will be announced soon.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
