A new £2.2million-a-year support scheme designed to help Isle of Wight residents facing sudden financial hardship has officially launched.
The Isle of Wight Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) – a 3-year, government-funded programme – will provide fast, practical help to those experiencing unexpected financial shocks.
The scheme replaces the previous Household Support Fund and aims to ensure there is ‘no wrong door’, meaning residents can access the right help quickly and efficiently.
Alongside the launch, the council has brought its Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service in-house. Since Tuesday (1st April) the authority has been delivering this service directly to better connect emergency financial support with wider advice.
The move is intended to improve early intervention, tackle the root causes of hardship and provide more joined-up support both during a crisis and longer term.
Support available through the CRF includes emergency payments for essential needs, housing-related support for renters struggling with costs, and access to advice services. The scheme also introduces ‘warm referrals’, helping residents connect directly with organisations that can support their recovery.
Residents do not need to be receiving benefits to apply for crisis payments, with the fund aimed at low-income households experiencing sudden financial difficulty with no other way to resolve it.
To qualify for housing-related support, applicants must be renting, receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs, and facing a shortfall.
Local voluntary and community groups will also be able to apply for grants to help deliver support within their areas.
Through the in-house IAG service, residents can access help with benefits advice, housing issues, council services and referrals to other organisations.
Over the coming months, the council says the service will expand, with plans to introduce additional drop-in sessions and advice clinics in community locations across the Island.
Ian Lloyd, Strategic Manager for Partnerships and Support, has said:
“The launch of the Crisis and Resilience Fund is a significant step forward in supporting Islanders who find themselves facing sudden and often distressing financial shocks.
“This funding will not only provide urgent support for people at the moments they need it most, but also strengthen long-term financial stability by helping households build the skills and confidence to manage day-to-day living costs.
“This means fewer families reaching crisis point in the future. It’s a vital safety net for our community.”
Applications are open year-round via an online form at www.iow.gov.uk/CRF, with telephone and in-person support also available.
Crisis payment applications can be made by calling (01983) 823660, while housing-related applications can be submitted on (01983) 823950.
Residents can also book appointments at Newport or Ryde Help Centres, where advisors can assist with completing applications and checking required evidence.
The fund forms part of the Isle of Wight Council’s wider Poverty Reduction Strategy and is expected to provide timely support to households under pressure, although it does not replace national benefits.
Good idea, but I hope this money is closely monitored
Bit like the pandemic money being dished out to
any Tom, Dick or Harry
As always, it will be abused by those that don’t need it, like food banks etc.
We should all be using it then,as we all get a financial shock every april when our extortionate council tax bills come in!
I couldn’t agree more.
Council tax biggest scam ever!
We are taxed over and over again,
they even tax our pensions.
Shame Rach from accounts cant help us out after pocketing £250 million from fuel pump increase…
Can I apply and then use it to cop some Versace?
some need to simply get off their arses and get a job
Are there any jobs out there?
Since this Government took power more and more
businesses have gone under.
The future is bleak in this country in 2026
Nope nothing she killed that too .well done Rach..
You can hear it now, the cost of living has seriously increased the cost of my illegal drugs, I need a hand out, yes of course how much would you like.