A NEW multi-million-pound 'crisis fund' for residents in need is being introduced across the district this year.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund will be for those who experience "sudden financial shocks”, and will run for at least three years.
The fund was welcomed by Bradford Council bosses at a meeting of the executive, when one councillor pointed out that “anyone can find themselves in need at any point in their lives”.
The Government has introduced the funding initiative – which will run until March, 2029, and provide money to local authorities in England to support low-income households.
Bradford Council will receive £38.2 million over the three-year period.
A report to executive members said: “The fund is designed to help people who experience sudden financial shocks, such as income loss or unexpected costs, while also strengthening longer-term financial resilience.”
Iain McBeath, Bradford Council's director for adult social care, said there were already “wonderful” schemes in the district to help people who were facing financial difficulty.
But he added: “This new fund will build a more connected offer. You will be able to walk into any council building or community centre and be directed to where you can get the most appropriate advice.”
The report to members added: “The primary aim of the fund is twofold – to offer timely support to people experiencing a financial shock, and to reduce future demand for crisis support by addressing underlying causes of financial hardship.
“Financial shocks may include sudden income loss, unexpected expenses or housing pressures.
“Alongside immediate help, the fund supports services that strengthen people’s ability to manage money, cope with change and recover from setbacks.
“Many people are unaware of available benefits or assume they are ineligible. Complex criteria, application processes and negative perceptions discourage engagement with the benefits system.”
Examples of funding include more than £1m over three years for a warm homes scheme, £2.25m over three years to establish food pantries and £5.4m to provide payments to help district residents “in financial crisis”.
Council leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “It is great that Bradford has been given this money by Government to support people who are at their lowest point and help them out of their circumstances.”
And Councillor Sarah Ferriby, executive member for healthy people and places, said: “Anyone can find themselves in need at any point in their lives, and might have multiple issues they need advice on.”
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