More than £3 million will be distributed to charities across Leeds to support households struggling with rising living costs, debt and financial hardship.
Leeds City Council has announced plans to allocate funding from the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), with support expected to reach more than 40,000 residents. The grants will be awarded to a range of voluntary and community organisations, including Forum Central, Leeds Food Aid Network, Leeds Community Anchor Network, Voluntary Action Leeds and Leeds Older People’s Forum.
According to a council report, the scheme aims to provide targeted support to people experiencing financial difficulties, including unexpected expenses, loss of income and increasing housing and energy costs. The report states: “It will target residents experiencing financial hardship and is expected to support more than 40,000 people across Leeds.”
Separate allocations of £2.7 million and £350,000 from the Government fund will be used to finance the programme.
Council officials said early intervention was essential to prevent financial pressures from escalating into more serious problems. The report added: “Without early support, these pressures can escalate quickly, affecting residents’ ability to meet essential needs and increasing the risk of debt, homelessness, poor health and repeat crisis.”
The funding will cover support delivered between April 2026 and March 2027, subject to formal approval by the council.
Leeds City Council receives around £12.8 million annually through the Crisis and Resilience Fund between 2026 and 2029.
Council leaders hope working through community organisations will help reach residents who may not normally engage with council services.
The report said the approach would create more coordinated neighbourhood support, make better use of local resources and strengthen communities’ ability to respond to hardship.
