People in Coventry who are experiencing money problems and find themselves in emergency situations will be able to get help from a new nationwide scheme.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund, which is being financed by the UK Government, will take over from both the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments throughout the nation and in Coventry starting on Wednesday 1 April 2026.

Coventry City Council will be allocated £6.6m for the 2026 to 2027 financial year and will manage the fund to deliver emergency payments, housing assistance, resilience services and community coordination, providing residents with better and more joined-up help.

The Government funding forms part of a fresh multi-year arrangement intended to strengthen long-term stability and reduce the necessity for emergency help.

Councillor Richard Brown, Cabinet Member for Finance, explained that the national changes introduced by the Government are intended to streamline and stabilise emergency assistance. He noted that people in Coventry are finding it difficult to cope with household costs, which is why the council chose not to increase Council Tax to the maximum permitted level, unlike many other local authorities.

He added that preparations are underway for the new Crisis Resilience Fund, with the aim of helping those requiring assistance in the most effective and straightforward manner possible, allowing people to retain their dignity and independence.

The Council is in discussions with a wide variety of support services and advice organisations about how agencies can work together to help individuals access the funding. Emergency payments and housing assistance remain available throughout the year, while a cash-first support approach will maintain dignity and offer flexibility.

The fund is available to low-income households, not only those currently receiving means-tested benefits.

A new website is being created and additional guidance will be made available about how people can submit applications for funding. This will be live from 1 April.

The new Crisis Resilience Fund will be subject to close monitoring during the first few weeks and months to confirm that administrative procedures are working as effectively as possible.