Purpose

To ensure targeted cost of living support can be delivered to residents and communities within Oxford City. The Crisis & Resilience fund replaces the Household Support Fund (HSF) which had been in place since 2021. A key component of HSF expenditure has been delegated awards to the city and district councils. This enables the councils to make use of locally held data to facilitate the timely provision of financial and practical assistance to vulnerable households.

Decision

A grant is to be awarded to Oxford City Council so they can support local communities with targeted cost of living interventions. The grant is £198,435 annually for three years, totaling £595,305

Funding will be provided through the Government’s Crisis & Resilience Fund (Crisis and Resilience Fund: Guidance for local authorities in England, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029).

Reasons for the decision

The nature of services delivered by second tier councils means that they have a closer relationship with, and more extensive data on deprived communities. As such they are well placed to complement the Council’s broader Cost of Living Programme with targeted local interventions.

This approach helps to deliver strategic objectives relating to reducing inequalities, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting residents in crisis.

Alternative options considered

Retaining the full amount of the Crisis & Resilience Fund in-house. This was rejected as it would reduce the range of communities and individuals that would end up benefiting from the Cost of Living Programme.