Helping Residents Improve Financial Wellbeing, Skills, and Community Life
Fylde Borough Council offers various financial and community-focused support schemes designed to help residents with living costs, housing issues, community projects, energy efficiency, and career development. Whether you’re managing rising bills, renovating an empty property, or running a local initiative, here’s what’s currently available:
Council Tax Support & Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
If your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit doesn’t fully cover your rent, you can apply for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP). These one-off grants may also help with rent deposits and council tax shortfalls. Eligibility is means-tested and decided case-by-case. Applications are online via Fylde’s benefits pages or by contacting the Housing Options Team at 01253 658 658
Household Support Fund (HSF)
Fylde Council administers government funding to help residents meet immediate needs like food, energy, clothing, and household essentials. This round runs until 31 March 2026, following a £596,000 allocation in April 2025. You can apply online, either directly via Fylde’s HSF page or through Citizens Advice Fylde.
Empty Homes Fund
To address long-term empty properties (empty for 6+ months), Fylde has launched an Empty Homes Fund. It collaborates with Registered Providers to acquire and refurbish these homes—supporting up to £20,000 per property toward renovation costs. Contact the Affordable Housing Team via the online form to find out more about Fylde Council.
Community Projects Fund
Grants are available to local voluntary, community, or faith groups based in Fylde:
- Match-funded grants (£300–£2,000).
- Small grants (£1–£300).
These funds support activities that align with council priorities—such as improving local environments, youth initiatives, skills development, and social inclusion. To apply, email joanne.collins@fylde.gov.uk or send your form by post to Town Hall, St Annes, FY8 1LW. Contact Jo Collins on 01253 658 505 for assistance.
Grants & Home Energy Efficiency Schemes
Fylde Council participates in several energy and home improvement initiatives:
- ECO4 and ECO‑Flex provide funding for insulation and new heating systems until 31 March 2026, including support for people not receiving benefits.
- Disabled Facilities Grant helps cover adaptations (e.g., ramps, showers) following a needs assessment. Apply via Lancashire County Council on 0300 123 6720.
Check if you qualify for free government home upgrades through ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme, it only takes a few minutes, and you could save hundreds on your energy bills. Use our ECO4 Eligibility Checker to find out if you may qualify, and we’ll handle the rest.
Cost-of-Living Support & Advice
If you’re struggling, Citizens Advice Fylde can offer assistance on debt, benefits, housing, employment, mental health, water bills, and more. Call 0808 175 5550 or email advice@fylde.cabnet.org.uk.
Support includes: foodbanks (St Annes, Kirkham, Warton), Healthy Start vouchers, NHS travel-cost help, water-bill assistance, mental health support, and social prescribing through GPs.
One Last Thing
Fylde Borough Council’s support schemes aim to ease immediate burdens and strengthen communities over the long term, by reducing housing issues, supporting local projects, lowering energy costs, and improving wellbeing. If you or your community could benefit, reach out, help is available.
Useful Resources:
- Council Tax & Benefits
- Household Support Fund
- Empty Homes & Affordable Housing
- Community Grants
- Energy & Efficiency
Cost of Living Support Available:
- Household Support Fund (England)
- Cost of Living Payments
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
- Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
- Council Tax Reduction
ECO4 Support Available:
- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy – Energy Company Obligation
- Ofgem – Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
- Ofgem – Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
- UK Government – Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
- Which? – Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
Other Support Available:
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