Cornwall Council Launches £8.25m Crisis and Resilience Fund

A new £8.25 million funding scheme has launched in Cornwall aimed at supporting people facing financial hardship.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund, known as the CRF, officially came into effect on Wednesday 1st April 2026. It replaces both the Household Support Fund and the existing Crisis & Care Awards scheme.

Cornwall Council has been awarded £8.25 million for the 2026/27 financial year to deliver the support.

What the new fund will do

The CRF is designed to provide help to low-income households dealing with sudden financial difficulties, such as unexpected expenses or a loss of income.

It also aims to prevent financial problems from escalating and to support families in becoming more financially resilient over time, working alongside Cornwall Council and its partners.

Residents aged 16 or over can apply for Crisis Payments if they are in an emergency or disaster situation where immediate help is needed to avoid serious risk to health or safety, and if they can prove financial need.

More details on eligibility can be found on the council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund web page.

Additional support for heating oil costs

Alongside the main funding, Cornwall Council has also received an extra £1.5 million to support low-income residents who rely on heating oil and are facing rising costs.

Eligible households may receive up to £300 to help with heating oil expenses through the CRF.

To qualify, residents must either receive Council Tax Support, be exempt from Council Tax due to Severe Mental Impairment, or be in financial crisis due to rising heating oil costs.

Applications can be made via the Crisis and Resilience Fund Energy Support Scheme web page.

Council response

Welcoming the funding, Cllr Adam Paynter, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Resources, said:

“We know times are tough for many residents and families in Cornwall, so it is good to see we have secured this significant amount of money from the Government’s new Crisis and Resilience Fund to help those who need it the most.

“I hope it will go some way to act as a safety net for people who suddenly find themselves in financial crisis.”

Adam Paynter also highlighted the impact of rising energy costs, adding:

“Many households across Cornwall are facing financial crisis due to the sudden rise in heating oil bills, brought about by the war in the Middle East.

“This is why we welcome this extra funding, which will allow us to provide support quickly to residents who find themselves in this position.”