Helping Residents Improve Financial Wellbeing, Skills, and Community Life

Halton Borough Council offers a range of financial support schemes, grant programmes, and emergency assistance to help residents facing financial hardship, support community projects, and promote wellbeing.

1. Council Tax Support / Reduction

Halton residents on low incomes may qualify for Council Tax Support, which reduces the amount of council tax you owe. Eligibility depends on household income, savings, and individual circumstances; some schemes are automatic or require a simple application.

For those in council tax bands G or H who are ineligible due to higher property bands but still on low incomes, the Halton Local User Discount Support Scheme (HLUDSS) may apply. Qualifying residents can still access discount schemes if they meet income thresholds.

2. Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

If you’re receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (housing element) but still have a rent shortfall, you may apply for Discretionary Housing Payments. These are meant to provide temporary rent support and are assessed based on your circumstances, savings, income, and efforts to reduce housing costs.

To apply, email benefits@halton.gov.uk or call the Benefits Service on 0151 907 8302.

3. Discretionary Support Scheme (Local Welfare Provision)

Halton’s Discretionary Support Scheme replaces elements of the national Social Fund and divides into:

  • Emergency Support: For immediate essential needs (e.g., food, toiletries, household items, fuel), support is delivered via supplier parcels, not cash payments.
  • Community Support: Helps vulnerable residents establish independent living or move home post-residence (e.g. beds, kitchen equipment, removal costs). No cash payments.

Eligibility criteria include:

  • Residency in Halton.
  • Age 16+.
  • No alternative support available.
  • Up to two awards per rolling 12-month period (exceptions possible).

Apply via Discretionary.Support@halton.gov.uk or call 0800 952 0016 (Freephone, landlines) Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm.

4. Household Support Fund (HSF)

Running from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, Halton’s Household Support Fund helps vulnerable households—such as pensioners, families with children, and low-income individuals—cover essentials.

Support includes:

  • Free school meal vouchers: £12/week during holidays for ~7,500 eligible children.
  • Pensioner support: £120 automatic bank payment (or voucher if no bank details) for residents receiving council tax reduction.
  • Emergency items: Via Discretionary Support parcels—food, toiletries, household and fuel essentials/

No need to apply for pensioner payment. Other support may require direct contact via the Discretionary Support team.

5. Help with Bills, Energy & Healthcare

Under the cost of living support, Halton offers help with energy, water bills, prescriptions, and medical equipment costs through various local and national schemes:

  • Fuel and water debt support via Discretionary Support team (call 0800 952 0016 or email Support@halton.gov.uk).
  • Advice from Citizens Advice Halton: money advice at 0151 257 2449 or general enquiries at 0808 278 7956 or via haltoncab.org.uk.
  • Energy efficiency and heating repairs via Energy Projects Plus (0800 043 0151) or Cheshire Green Doctor(0330 1740 863).
  • Access to ECO or Great British Insulation Scheme grants for eligible homeowners or private tenants, contact Consumer Rights: 01928 640 002 or consumer-rights.org.

6. Community Grants & Support Initiatives

  • One Halton Health & Wellbeing Grants fund community or voluntary sector projects with grants up to £1,000 or up to £3,000 for longer projects aimed at promoting health, employability, and community wellbeing.
  • Halton Housing Helping Hands supports local projects via funding, materials, or skills. Round deadlines: Summer/Autumn 2025 and Winter 2025–26; grants up to £2,000. 

Where to Learn More

For a full guide to all support and application options, visit Halton’s official site:

  • Household Support Fund & cost of living help.
  • Council Tax Support / DHP.
  • Discretionary Support Scheme.
  • Energy & bill support services.
  • Community grants: One Halton & Helping Hands.

You can also contact:

  • Benefits Service (Council Tax/DHP): 0151 907 8302.
  • Discretionary Support Team: 0800 952 0016, Support@halton.gov.uk.
  • Public Health support: 0151 511 5200, public.health@halton.gov.uk.
  • Citizens Advice Halton (‘Ask Us Halton’): money advice line 0151 257 2449, general 0808 278 7956.

One Last Thing

Halton Borough Council aims to support residents with practical help—from reducing council tax, covering emergencies, improving energy efficiency, to community-led wellbeing projects.

If you or someone you know might benefit from one of these schemes: reach out. Timely support could make a real difference.