Local welfare provision

We have grants called local welfare provision that may help vulnerable people and families who have been met with exceptional one-off difficulties in life.

Home in the Community Grants

Home in the Community Grants aim to establish people back in the community. They are intended to help vulnerable people in situations like:

  • leaving long term care
  • leaving prison
  • fleeing domestic violence or abuse
  • moving to supported living or independent living
  • young people leaving care
  • families under great pressure

Home in the Community Grants will help with household items that are essential for basic living, health, safety or sanitation. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • beds and bedding
  • washing machines, cooker or microwave, fridge freezer
  • cooking and eating essentials, for example, crockery, pots and pans, utensils, cutlery
  • essential furniture 
  • basic floor coverings
  • portable heating
  • cleaning items such as basic vacuum cleaner, brooms, mop and bucket
  • emergency house repairs

Please read the Local Welfare Provision policy (Word) carefully as conditions to applying for a Home in the Community Grants are very strict. There is a limit to how many times you can apply.

Download the Home in the Community Grant Application form (PDF).

For more information please call 01234 718033.

Crisis grants

Crisis grants may be able to help you out in the event of a crisis, emergency or disaster. Crisis grants will only be given if there is an immediate threat to health and safety.

The kind of things a crisis grant can help buy:

  • food
  • heating
  • goods for infants or children 
  • clothing or shoes for a dependent child
  • sanitary or health items
  • travel

It is up to Council to decide what amount is considered reasonable to prevent an immediate threat to health and safety.

Please read the Local Welfare Provision policy (Word) carefully as conditions to applying for a crisis grant are very strict, and there is a limit to how many times you can apply.

For more information please call 01234 718033.

Household Support Grant for winter 2022-2023

The Council is using its discretionary power to award £50 to those Bedford Borough residents who are in receipt of 100% Council Tax Support due to being on a low income. The Household Support Grant is to help households with the cost of utilities and food over the winter.