Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029 and is funded by the UK Government.

How the CRF can help

The CRF helps people in West Northamptonshire to feel more in control of their finances and better able to manage changes in their circumstances.

You can access tools and support to help you stay in control, including:

These services can increase confidence, reduce stress and prevent financial problems from becoming more serious.

Find out more about debt and budgeting.

If an unexpected event causes an urgent financial problem, you may be able to receive support.

A crisis is a sudden event that puts your basic needs at risk. If this happens, you can apply for a Crisis Payment.

This is short-term support only, it is not ongoing financial support or a general payment.

Find out more about crisis support.

Following a recent government announcement, additional CRF support is available for heating oil users who are in crisis.

Find out more about heating oil support.

If you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, you may be able to receive support with essential housing costs.

This support is called a Housing Payment and replaces Discretionary Housing Payments:

We work with local partners to make support easier to access. You only need to provide your information once.

You can access support in places you already trust, such as:

Find more support available in your community.

Local authorities are given the freedom to run the CRF in ways that best meet local needs.

In West Northamptonshire, our 3-year plan supports residents to move from crisis to stability, then to resilience and independence.

We aim to:

help people build strong financial foundations
support long-term financial wellbeing, recognising it is as important as physical and mental health
invest in services that improve financial security
provide quick, short-term help for people facing a sudden crisis
improve referrals and coordination across local support services

West Northamptonshire Council Cabinet has agreed a long-term approach to improve financial wellbeing across the area.

Our 3-year CRF programme is developing.

It includes work to:

Some of this work will take time. The support available now is the first stage.

As the programme develops, more support will be available in more places, in ways that meet local needs.

Last updated 01 April 2026