Darlington Council will get the funding from the Government’s new Crisis and Resilience Fund, which will provide the borough with around £1.8 million each year to support residents facing financial hardship.
The scheme replaces the previous Household Support Fund and will run until March 31, 2029.
Cllr Jim Garner, Darlington Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “The Crisis and Resilience Fund will provide a vital safety net for low-income residents who experience a financial shock, while also investing in the long-term financial resilience of our communities.
“By strengthening the support available, we can help individuals and families better manage crises and reduce the need for emergency intervention in the future.
“Living Well – helping people to live healthier, for longer, and supporting those who need it most – is one of the key priorities in our Council Plan 2024-27.”
The fund is designed to offer both immediate crisis support and longer-term solutions by helping people build financial resilience.
In practical terms, the support will be delivered by Citizens Advice Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland, who have previously managed similar schemes such as the Crisis Payments scheme and the Benefit Entitlement Action Team (BEAT).
Residents who access the fund could receive help with housing costs, referrals to specialist advice services, and access to long-term coaching.
The scheme also aims to link users with counselling, employability skills development, and other tailored support to help them achieve sustainable financial stability.
The council believes that this joined-up approach will help reduce future reliance on emergency aid by addressing underlying issues that contribute to financial crises, and supporting residents to take positive steps towards independence.
