The Government has introduced a new programme of support to residents on low incomes called the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). This fund replaces the Household Support Fund (HSF).

As part of this change, the Government has set an expectation that councils move away from providing blanket holiday food support to all families eligible for free school meals by the end of September. Instead, funding is intended to be used in more targeted ways, including financial support, debt and benefits advice, and services that help households manage the cost of living over the long term.

This change means that whilst the total amount of funding available through CRF is similar to that under HSF, the current approach to holiday food support is likely to change. Emergency cash awards, housing payments, advice and support with essentials such as food, fuel, social support, and signposting to services like employment support are still available.

While this national policy direction has been set by the Government, Hackney Council is responsible for deciding how support will be provided locally in future. Please note these changes do not impact term-time free school meals.

In Hackney, residents experiencing financial hardship can access crisis payments via the Council's Here to Help service, alongside wider support such as benefit advice, employment support, and help with the cost of living.

We understand that this may be a worrying or difficult change for many families.

We want to understand your experience of the support you have received, how it has worked for you, and what would help you and your household in the future.

Your feedback will help us:

• understand what has worked well and what has not
• identify any challenges families face in accessing food and other essentials
• shape the support we put in place in Hackney going forward

This survey is one of several ways we are gathering feedback, alongside focus groups and discussions with schools, community organisations and other partners.

Your response is important and will directly inform the recommendations we make about future support.

Have a conversation with us

We are also holding a series of short focus groups for parents, carers and anyone affected by these changes.

These sessions are an opportunity to:

• share your experience of holiday food support in more detail
• talk about any challenges you face in accessing food or support
• tell us what would make the biggest difference to you and your household
• help shape how support is provided in Hackney in the future

Each session will last around an hour and will either be held online via Google Meet or in person at venues across the borough.

You do not need to prepare anything in advance, and you are welcome to join whichever session works best for you. You do not have to give your name to the rest of the group, and you can keep your camera off if you wish.

Upcoming sessions
View all upcoming sessions

Join an in-person session

Join an online session

Need more information?

Email rachel.salmon@hackney.gov.uk or call 0208 356 7732 for more details.

Why take part?

These sessions will help us better understand how these changes affect people day-to-day and ensure that future support reflects the needs of families in Hackney.

All participants in focus groups will receive a £20 Love to Shop Voucher to thank you for their time.

Your feedback will help us understand how holiday food support is working for families in Hackney, and what could be improved in the future.