Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF)
North Northamptonshire Council will locally deliver the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) from April 2026 to March 2029.
The fund replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments with one three-year pot of money that will be used to:
- provide rapid assistance when people face a sudden financial crisis
- reduce recurring hardship by helping households build financial resilience
- bring services together, making support more coordinated, joined‑up, and easy to access
North Northamptonshire Council will receive £13.18 million over three years to run the scheme. These payments are split as follows:
- £4,361,363.10 in year one (2026/27)
- £4,359,203.39 year two (2027/28)
- £4,460,291.59 in year three (2028/29)
In line with the national requirements, North Northamptonshire will propose to deliver the following:
The fund will give immediate, practical help when a sudden change or crisis means you cannot afford an essential cost. Wherever safe and appropriate, support will follow a cash‑first approach, offering direct financial assistance to resolve the issue quickly.
This support is not for routine expenses, such as regular bills, weekly food shopping, or ongoing household costs. It also does not replace other financial support you already receive.
You may get help for situations such as:
- an emergency bill you cannot delay
- a sudden loss of income
- an essential item breaking unexpectedly
Support aims to be fast, fair, and focused on the essentials you need to stay safe and stable.
Housing Payment (formerly Discretionary Housing Payment), which helps people on qualifying benefits with rent or essential housing costs, is now part of the Crisis and Resilience Fund. You will still apply for and receive this support in the same way as before.
The fund will provide practical advice and support to help you stay financially stable longer‑term.
This will include:
- money and debt advice
- income checks to help boost your budget
- energy and cost‑of‑living support
- employment and skills support
The aim is to ease money pressures over time, strengthen your financial stability, and reduce repeat crises.
Stronger partnerships across council services, family hubs, schools, health partners and voluntary, community and social enterprise's (VCSE) will make support easier to find and navigate. This reduces the need to contact multiple services and repeat the same information, helping you get the right support quickly.
North Northamptonshire Council will receive £139,870 to support residents who are affected by rising heating‑oil costs. The funding will be targeted at low income and vulnerable households who use heating oil as their main source of heating, particularly in rural communities.
Applications
North Northamptonshire council's proposal was approved by the Executive Panel on the 14 April 2025.
Applications for support will open in July.
To find out about other types of support available from the council, local organisations, and the government, explore our support offer.
Last updated 23 April 2026