Council announces new Crisis and Resilience Fund
Norfolk County Council has announced its new Crisis and Resilience Fund - a multi-year programme designed to provide rapid help while building longer term financial resilience for residents across the county.
The fund will replace the national Household Support Fund from April 2026, which reached more than 100,000 households each year.
Councillor Andrew Jamieson, deputy leader at Norfolk County Council, said: "We have built one of the most robust and widely accessible hardship schemes in the country and the Crisis and Resilience Fund allows us to take that work further. We will ensure that every area of Norfolk receives targeted support, providing timely help in moments of need."
The new approach combines responsive crisis help alongside wider wraparound assistance including budgeting advice, digital support, debt guidance and referrals into other services.
The county council are also looking to invest £3.25m in the voluntary sector, supporting specialist local organisations to deliver outreach, community advice, debt guidance and services tailored to local needs.
This builds on the support already announced for the domestic abuse legal advice service run by Norfolk Community Law Service (NCLS). Norfolk County Council has stepped in and pledged £72k over two years as from April 2026.
Councillor Andrew Jamieson said: "A central part of the new fund is significant investment in local voluntary and community organisations. Norfolk's charities play vital role in reaching our residents, so their knowledge and expertise is an essential part of our plans."
The Crisis and Resilience Fund will align closely with wider employment and skills support available across the county. Residents facing redundancy or employment barriers will continue to benefit from Norfolk's growing support offer.
This includes the recently announced Redundancy Support Service which provides advice, employability help, training, CV and interview support. The council's Connect to Work programme, launched in 2025, supports residents, particularly those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, to return to or remain in employment.
Andrew Jamieson said: "Strengthening links between crisis help, financial advice and employment pathways, the new fund aims to reduce repeat crises and support residents to build independence and long-term stability."
Full details of the programme will be shared with partners, schools and community organisations over the coming week, ahead of the new fund going live in April 2026.
