Help for people on low incomes facing a financial crisis
Published Wednesday, 27th May 2026
Pendle Borough Council has been given Government funding to help residents in need.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is a new pot of money to provide a safety net for people in crisis and in need of immediate help.
It replaces the Household Support Fund.
The CRF will provide support for residents facing a one-off sudden or urgent situation and in need of short-term help.
As well as financial help, the Fund can also connect those in need to the right local advice and support services to help build financial resilience and prevent further crisis.
Pendle Borough Council has funded several community organisations to help deliver this.
Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “We have been given this pot of money to manage and make sure we can help Pendle residents in need or who find themselves in a critical, financial situation.
“This Fund will help to provide an immediate lifeline to residents who are in desperate need.”
Residents can only apply once for financial help with such things as transport, food, debts or utility bills. The Fund can support those who are experiencing a one-off financial shock, such as job loss, a disaster or ill-health.
Additional support is also available for households experiencing immediate hardship due to significant increases in heating oil price rises.
Citizens Advice East Lancashire will help with the crisis support and local community providers, such as Newground and Colne Open Door Centre, will provide the resilience services.
They will help you make the most of your money by checking you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to; offering employment and training advice and supporting you with budgeting and money management.
Support is also available for low-income families of school children. If your child receives free school meals, they can take part in Pendle’s HAF programme, which runs during the main school holidays and helps keep children well-fed and engaged with fun activities.
Pendle Borough Council has created a directory of local food support to help families who may be struggling during the school holidays.
For more information, visit www.pendle.gov.uk/crfund