Families hardest hit by the energy crisis could receive council-dispensed funds

UK ministers are considering topping up a council-run Crisis and Resilience Fund to allow local councils to award targeted grants to households facing higher energy bills.

UK ministers are discussing ways to help households affected by rising energy costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East. One option under consideration is adding funds to the Crisis and Resilience Fund so local councils can award grants. The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is examining targeted measures and has ruled out a return to universal payments used in 2022. Officials have not announced a final decision. Key points: - Ministers are debating topping up the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) to allow councils to award grants to households facing particular hardship. - The CRF is a council-run scheme worth £1bn a year and is reported to take effect from Wednesday. - Chancellor Rachel Reeves is examining targeted support and has ruled out restoring universal payments offered in 2022. - Energy bills are reported to be forecast to reach nearly £2,000 a year from July. Summary: An extension of council-dispensed grants would aim to cushion households identified as hardest hit by higher energy bills. Officials are still debating options and no final decision has been announced. Undetermined at this time.