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Fri, 10 Apr 2026

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 How families can get crisis support to heat homes

A crisis fund is going to support community groups who help people struggling to heat their homes.

* Somerset Council has been given £22.66m by the Department for Work and Pensions to support struggling families over 3 years.
* The money can be accessed online through Citizens Advice Somerset, with a new system in place for direct applications via their website.
* A pot of immediate financial support will be made available for families who need help paying for heating oil and food.
* The funding will also provide debt advice, budgeting guidance, and employment advice from Citizens Advice Somerset.
* The Crisis Resilience Fund includes specific support for those reliant on oil to heat their homes in Somerset.
* The fund is a replacement for the Household Support Fund, which was given out in 6-month batches, but this new fund is guaranteed for use over 3 years.