What we're doing to help with the cost-of-living crisis

Helping residents through the cost-of-living crisis is our urgent priority at H&F. 

With bills increasing and high inflation rates, we're doing all we can to support local residents. We have a Cost of Living package of support worth £10 million in 2022 and 2023 including the Household Support Fund.   

This package, and other support across the council, includes: 

This includes: 

• provided free breakfasts in primary schools 
• abolished home care charges for elderly and Disabled residents 
• frozen or cut service charges across the council in real terms 
• supported the local foodbank and local charities 
• expanded advice services for anyone in need of extra support
• made more funding available to help prevent emergencies and crisis
• provided financial help to low income families with essential living costs.  

We are building an alliance of support – just as we did during the pandemic – working with residents, local businesses, third-sector organisations and others to find new ways to help people through these difficult times. 

We are developing a Financial Inclusion Strategy with strategic partners to improve access to financial information, including debt advice, better access to affordable credit and financial services, and building residents’ financial understanding and capability. 

We have and will continue to host cost-of-living conferences, bringing partners together to find new ways of helping residents navigate this crisis.

We will maintain our close support for charities like the Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank and the Nourish Hub. We will work with businesses and third-sector organisations to expand these schemes where they are most needed.

Warm Welcomes

We’ve opened warm hubs throughout the borough with our partners that are free and open to all. Find them on our warm welcomes page – they’re free, warm, dry spaces that are open to all. Many also provide a warm drink and fun activities. 

Household Support Fund

To support residents with the cost of living, H&F is distributing funds to local groups and residents in need from the Household Support Fund (HSF).

This funding will be used to help people in need with things such as energy bills and food. We’re working with local charities, voluntary groups and partners to make sure we can get the right help to those who need it, at the right time.

Find out more about the Household Support Fund

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

You can find out more about the help and support available from the council on our cost-of-living FAQs page.