Should any families be impacted by Covid over this term or experience other similar problems please email:

covid@saintedmunds.org.uk

We want to inform you that from 1 April 2026, the Government's household support fund is being replaced with a new crisis and resilience fund, which will see changes to how the council supports Portsmouth people in financial hardship. 

Portsmouth City Council has shared this message for families: We want to let you know about changes coming to the way we help people in financial hardship.

From April 1 2026, the Government's household support fund is being replaced with a new crisis and resilience fund. The new fund is designed to help Portsmouth residents to reduce hardship, improve their financial resilience and reduce debt, and strengthen the local advice and support services available.

One important change is the end of the FSM voucher scheme delivered through schools for children who receive free school meals (means-tested). We want to reassure you that support is still available.

A new Crisis Payment scheme will help households facing an unexpected financial crisis, due to open mid to late April. And our Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF Fun Pompey) continues to offer free school holiday activities and food for households receiving FSM

Our cost of living hub and helpline continues to offer all residents free money advice and support. The attached leaflet has more information and how to us and other services that can help.