Stoke-on-Trent residents facing "financial crisis" are set to benefit from £16.8 million of government funding.

The Crisis Resilience Fund, delivered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, will run until March 2029 and provide £5.6 million each year to support residents struggling with essential costs such as food, energy, housing and transport.

The council explained that the fund will provide for "timely and effective" crisis payments based on need, support towards housing costs to those who face a shortfall and longer-term support such as funding for services to improve financial resilience.

Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "This funding will help us continue supporting residents through times of real financial hardship while also helping people build longer-term stability and resilience.

"We know many households are still under pressure from the rising cost of living. This fund means we can provide practical support when people need it most, while also investing in services that help residents improve their financial situation and reduce the risk of future crisis.

"By working closely with trusted local partners, we can make sure support reaches people quickly, fairly and in a way that delivers lasting benefits for our communities."

The council will act as the accountable body for the funding, working with local partners to deliver support.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "A dedicated governance and monitoring framework will ensure the funding is spent as intended, with strong safeguards to protect public money and maximise impact for residents."

advertisement

There will be regular reporting to cabinet and to government on how the fund is being used and the difference it is making.