A MAJOR shake-up to how financial help is delivered to struggling households is on the way with millions of pounds set to be rolled out over the next three years.

Wiltshire Council is preparing to launch the government’s new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which will replace the current Household Support Fund from April 1.

The new scheme marks a shift away from short-term emergency help towards longer-term support aimed at preventing people from falling into repeated financial hardship.

Wiltshire is set to receive £13.4 million over three years, with funding increasing slightly each year.

The council says the money will help expand services to support residents through crises, stabilise household finances and build resilience.

An additional £783,725 has also been allocated specifically to help households relying on oil heating – a group particularly vulnerable to rising energy costs as they are not protected by the national price cap.

The new fund will cover a range of support, including crisis payments, housing support, resilience services and better coordination between community organisations.

From April, residents in urgent need will be able to apply for crisis payments online or through the council’s wellbeing hub, while housing support will continue in a similar way to existing schemes.

As part of the changes, current systems including the Local Welfare Provision scheme and Discretionary Housing Payments will be phased out and replaced by the new, streamlined approach.

Cabinet member for communities and deputy leader Cllr Mel Jacob said: “The assurance of funding for three years gives us the opportunity, alongside our partners, to put further infrastructure and programmes in place that will support those who need it most, helping to strengthen the resilience of our communities and empowering them where we can.

“Crucially though, those who find themselves in crisis and need urgent support can still get it through the new scheme.

“We welcome the government’s announcement (on 16 March 2026) confirming that Wiltshire Council has been allocated additional funding of £783,725 through the CRF to provide targeted support for households that rely on oil heating.

“However, if any other funding becomes available for additional energy support, then we will keep people informed.

“The overall CRF is there to support people in immediate crisis and to enable us to put the infrastructure in place for long-term preventative support, and that’s what we’re committed to doing.

“We will ensure this additional funding offers meaningful and timely support to those who need it most.”

More details on how to apply are expected later this year.