Preston City Council has renewed a call for residents experiencing financial hardship to apply for the government-funded Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), a short-term, non-repayable support scheme designed to help people through sudden emergencies.
Who the fund is for
The council says the CRF is aimed at people who have suffered an unexpected loss of income or who face sudden costs arising from physical or mental health emergencies. Council support is also available to assist those who need help meeting essential needs while they regain stability.
- Type of assistance: short-term, non-repayable payments
- Eligibility examples: sudden loss of income; emergency health issues; domestic abuse and the need to leave an unsafe home
- Purpose: to help meet essential needs and support longer-term financial stability
Examples of circumstances cited by the council
The council has set out the kinds of emergencies the CRF can cover. These include household disasters such as fires or floods, breakdown of household essentials, and urgent costs arising from domestic abuse.
| Situation | How the CRF could help |
|---|---|
| Sudden loss of income | Short-term non-repayable support to meet essential living costs |
| Physical or mental health emergency | Assistance to cover immediate expenses related to the emergency |
| Domestic abuse / unsafe home | Support to enable relocation or meet urgent needs after leaving |
| Fire, flood or household disaster | Help to replace or repair essential household items |
Council comment and next steps
“We understand that unexpected events can place significant pressure on household finances. The Crisis and Resilience Fund is there to provide practical support when people need it most, helping residents through difficult times while also supporting longer-term financial stability,”
The remark was made by Cllr Peter Kelly, Labour’s Cabinet Member for Community and Social Justice. The council encourages anyone who thinks they may be eligible to find out more and apply.
Details about how to apply were signposted by the council. Residents seeking help should consult Preston City Council’s official channels for the application process and any local eligibility criteria or documentation requirements.
For many households experiencing a sudden shock, the CRF offers a route to immediate, non-repayable support. The council emphasises that the fund is intended as practical, short-term assistance to stabilise circumstances rather than a long-term solution, and that it can be used alongside other local support services.
Local organisations and advisers who assist residents with benefits, housing and crisis support remain an important part of the referral pathway. Those unsure whether they qualify are advised to contact the council for guidance before making an application.
