Residents facing financial hardship could receive more personalised support as East Cambridgeshire District Council prepares to receive £110,000 a year for three years from the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). This funding aims to provide timely help to individuals struggling to pay household bills, manage arrears, or maintain a safe and stable home, preventing difficult situations from escalating into crises.
The funding will be carefully targeted to ensure limited resources make the greatest possible difference to local people and the wider community. Depending on final arrangements, residents could receive assistance with essential household needs, limited essential white goods, or help with arrears where support would prevent further hardship and aid in regaining stability. While each situation will be considered carefully, the fund is limited and support cannot be guaranteed.
Residents seeking help will not need to identify the correct scheme themselves. The Council’s Housing and Community Advice Team will offer face-to-face, personalised support to explore options, check benefit entitlements, maximise income, manage debt and arrears, prevent homelessness, and sustain tenancies. The team can also facilitate access to care, adaptations, appeals, and specialist services when appropriate.
For individuals living with a serious or terminal illness, or facing other extremely difficult circumstances, support will be tailored to their specific needs. The Council, in conjunction with Anglia Revenues Partnership (ARP), which handles council tax and benefits services, will strive to simplify the process, explain information requirements, and guide individuals towards the most suitable support routes.
“"For a resident who is worried about bills, debt or keeping a roof over their head, asking for help can feel daunting. This funding will help us offer timely, practical support while listening to each person and understanding the pressures they are facing. Our message is simple: if you are struggling, please contact us. You do not need to know which scheme or service is right for you before getting in touch. Our team will listen without judgement, talk through your situation and help identify the support that may be available."
The Council is also implementing the Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) data to proactively identify residents who may be most in need or not receiving available support. This initiative will enable earlier outreach with targeted, one-to-one assistance, including help to maximise household income and prevent financial difficulties from escalating. The LIFT programme, a partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council and funded by the UK Government, identifies individuals eligible for benefit support who are not currently receiving it.
Residents can contact the Council via phone, email, or letter, attend drop-in sessions, or visit a community advice hub. Face-to-face support is available from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Further contact details and information can be found on the Cost of Living support pages on the Council's website.
