Household Support Fund Round 7 - Closed 28th February 2026
It has been announced that there will be a seventh round of the Household Support Fund (HSF). Government have confirmed to Kent County Council (KCC) their share of the funding. KCC have also now confirmed that districts will receive an allocation of KCC’s HSF funding from Government.
This scheme is funded by UK Government.
To find out more regarding how KCC are using their share of the funding please visit their Household Support Fund web page.
Crisis & Resilience Fund - April 2026
Household Support Funding draws to a close on 31 March 2026, and will be replaced by the Crisis & Resilience Fund. Crisis & Resilience Funds are paid to Kent County Council & administered by Kent Country Council. They will decide on what schemes/support will be available to our residents who find themselves in a financial crisis. At this stage, the scheme is not yet up and running.
Heating Oil Support
The Government has announced that heating oil support funding will be provided to help with the cost of living concerns that have been caused by global conflict.
Residents should be aware this scheme will be funded by the new Crisis & Resilience Fund, which starts in April 2026. This fund is managed by Kent County Council rather than ourselves and is not yet up and running.
We understand that many of our residents rely on oil and LGP central heating. We'll keep you all up to date with important information, such as low income eligibility criteria, as and when we know more.
How we helped with our Household Support Fund.
- Essential Carpet Scheme.
- Essential White Goods.
Support regarding food and wider essentials
Whilst the Household Support Fund Scheme has closed, the organisations that worked with us during the past year should still be able to offer help and support regarding food and wider essentials during this interim period.
In respect of food and more wider support linked to food and energy, we worked with four charities locally. Their details are below:
The Mildred Trust
Rural Community Compassion in Action. Creating equality of opportunity for people in rural areas including Tenterden and the surrounding areas.
The Mildred Trust's longer-term objectives are:
- Reducing food insecurity
- Increasing social opportunities and participation
- Increasing local partnerships and collective impact
Visit The Mildred Trust Facebook page to see their current schemes.
Download a poster of The Mildred Trust's current community events, for wider sharing.
Email: beth.rice@themildredtrust.org
Tel: 07745 694748 for further information.
Pneuma Church UK
This organisation plans to use the funding to help with essential white goods as well as gas and electric energy support. A referral form from a professional or someone in a referring organisation will be required to enable assistance.
A referral can be made using the following email compassion@pneumachurch.uk.
Bright City Church
Visit the Bright City Church website for further details.
Repton Community Trust/People's Pantry: Supporting our community together
Repton Community Trust, through the People's Pantry initiative, is committed to ensuring that no individual or family in our community goes without essential support. Thanks to the assistance of Ashford Borough Council, Repton Community Trust can extend their reach and provide vital resources to those in need.
The People's Pantry is more than a food bank; it's a hub of community connection and compassion. Whether you're facing financial hardship or food insecurity or simply need guidance during challenging times, they are there to help.
How to seek support
If you or someone you know could benefit from the People's Pantry, getting help is simple:
- Visit: Drop by Repton Community Centre during their opening hours.
- Contact: Call on 01233 80 80 23 or email info@reptonct.uk.
- Confidential Assistance: Repton Community Trust's team understands that asking for help can be difficult. As such, they ensure a warm, non-judgmental environment where your privacy is respected.
Repton Community Trust is proud to be part of a community that stands together in solidarity. By working with Ashford Borough Council, they are expanding their ability to provide food, hope, dignity and a brighter future for everyone in Ashford.
