Evaluation of the Household Support Fund 4
This report provides findings from an evaluation of the fourth Household Support Fund, based on research carried out between September 2023 and August 2024.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
Research background
This research was conducted on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by Ipsos UK.
The Household Support Fund provided low income and vulnerable households with support towards the cost of essentials, such as food and energy.
The report assesses the effectiveness of delivery of the fourth iteration of the fund by local authorities and their local partners, and its benefits for recipients. It also explores the approaches used to identify households in need and distribute awards, and the characteristics of recipients, their experiences of receiving awards and the resulting benefits.
Related pages
Cost of Living Payments Evaluation research report
Household Support Fund management information
Cost of Living Payment management information
Social Fund alignment payments (crisis loans) research
Contribution to the evidence base
This research offers in-depth insight into how local authorities worked with their partners to identify those in need of local crisis support and how recipients of a Household Support Fund award viewed the support.
Research value
This research has helped the DWP to better understand how to work with local authorities to provide crisis support at a local level.