The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that a new scheme would be introduced from 1 April 2026 called the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).
As per the guidance, 'the fund is to support low-income households who encounter a financial shock and to support activity that builds individual and community financial resilience.'
Local authorities (LAs) have discretion on exactly how this funding is used within the scope set out in the grant determination and the guidance issued by the Government.
This grant is funded by the UK Government.
In the Southend area, the funding is being used in several key areas:
- Crisis Payments. Please see the Crisis Payments page for details on qualifying criteria and how to apply.
- Housing Payments. Please see the Crisis and Resilience Housing Payment page page for details on qualifying criteria and how to apply.
- An agile, fast and targeted grant system through the Southend Emergency Fund, operated by SAVS. The scheme will be open at various times throughout the year and will be advertised on www.southendemergencyfund.org.uk when the scheme is open. Organisations submit bids for grants of up to a set limit to support vulnerable households in the city by offering services that provide financial resilience. Organisations that access the funds include local churches, community groups, charities, non profit organisations and schools. The scheme reaches support organisations across the whole of the city and covers a lot of smaller groups of people that may not be visible in larger programmes.
- Partnership working with Citizens Advice (CA) Southend. For people who have severe debt issues and require FCA approved advice the Crisis Payment team can offer a warm referral to Citizens Advice who can provide that service. CA can also provide further advice, signposting and support to build resilience for the resident.
For further information please see the relevant policy