Struggling families given FREE air fryers and slow cookers

The Household Support Scheme has been extended to 2024, and many councils are taking an innovative approach to spending their allocation of the money

Hard-up families are being given air fryers and slow cookers – to help with the rising cost of living.

The items are being given out by local councils as part of the Household Support Fund which has now been extended to March 2024.

Under the government scheme, councils are able to use the cash how they see fit, with some giving away air fryers and slow cookers, as well as heated blankets and supermarket vouchers.

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💥Our new £500 million Household Support Fund will help vulnerable families and individuals with everyday costs.

👥 From food and clothing to utilities, the fund will help those who are struggling to afford the essentials. pic.twitter.com/z9JE3H3rcx

— Department for Work and Pensions (@DWPgovuk) September 30, 2021

What is the Household Support Fund?

The Household Support Fund helps with payments for essentials such as food, utilities and clothing, and was first introduced in September 2021, with councils distributing it as they saw fit – we explained here how some families were entitled to £150 shopping vouchers under the scheme.

On April 1, the Government announced that an additional £842 million would be made available to help the most vulnerable households across England with essential food and energy costs via their local councils.

How do councils allocate the Household Support Fund money?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says that councils in England will 'decide how best to spend their allocation of the fund – now worth £2 billion across its lifetime – by drawing from local knowledge and making direct contact with people in the community'.

You can find out exactly how much your council was awarded for the period April 1 2023 to March 31 2024 here.

What sort of things do they spend it on?

Some councils have been really practical with how they have spent the money, using it to buy things which will enable households to further cut their energy bills, stay warm, and eat well.

For instance, the DWP reports that Wokingham Council have delivered over 650 energy saving packs, including air fryer/slow cookers, heated blankets and thermal clothing to families.

Air fryers and slow cookers are known for helping to save money and energy compared to other cooking methods.

And if you're struggling for inspiration, we've got tasty air fryer and slow cooker recipes that are both simple and purse-friendly to make.

In other areas, local councils have helped with the cost of food shopping by bulk ordering food via a distributor to make up food boxes, while some authorities have set up community larders, and provided 'grab bags' of food for families with children over the school holidays.

How can I get Household Support Fund money?

It's really important to note that you do not have to be in receipt of benefits to get help via the Household Support Fund.

The Fund exists to support anyone who is vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials.

And if you are getting benefits, you do not have to worry about them being affected if you get additional help or payments from the Household Support Fund – they won't be.

How do I apply?

Because each Local Authority has their own allocation of Household Support Fund money, what is available differs by area, so you need to check with your local council to find out what help they might be able to give you.

You can find our who to contact by entering your postcode in the Government's 'find your local council' search facility here.

What other help is available?

If you are currently struggling with the cost of living crisis – and let's face it, who isn't – be sure to check in on our Cost of Living hub to get all the latest news on benefits, deals, vouchers and other help you could be entitled to, plus lots of advice and top tips from finance and budgeting experts.

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