The North Northamptonshire Council has temporarily halted applications for its Household Support Fund (HSF) food voucher scheme due to an overwhelming response.
This decision follows a significant increase in demand since the programme launched on June 23, 2025. The pause will last for three weeks, as the council works through the existing backlog of applications.
The HSF scheme, designed to support low-income families, pensioners, and people with disabilities, provides essential financial aid through supermarket vouchers. These vouchers, worth between £150 and £320 depending on household size, are intended to help residents cope with the rising cost of living, particularly in food and household essentials.
Overwhelming Response to the Scheme
Since its launch, the Household Support Fund food voucher scheme has faced an unprecedented surge in applications.
According to the North Northamptonshire Council, the volume of requests has been significantly higher than expected, compelling the local authority to pause new submissions temporarily. As of now, the application window is set to reopen on August 4, 2025.
The scheme, which is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), aims to provide immediate financial relief to households struggling with the rising costs of living. The vouchers are available for a range of eligible residents, including low-income families, pensioners, and people with disabilities.
A single person can apply for a £150 voucher, while a two-person household is entitled to £260. Larger households, with three or more members, can access up to £320.
Despite the high demand, the council has assured residents who applied before June 23 that they do not need to reapply. Applications will be processed in the order in which they were received, and those already in the system will be contacted if further information is needed.
Processing Delays and Impact on Vulnerable Households
The temporary pause is also a measure to ensure the council can effectively manage the distribution of available funds and process existing requests.
Gregory Wilcox, Reform UK councillor and executive member for communities at the council, explained that this break would allow staff to work through the current backlog and avoid overwhelming their resources.
The significant demand for the food voucher scheme comes at a time when inflation in the UK has risen to 3.6% in the year leading up to June 2025, with food prices being a major contributor. This has further highlighted the vulnerability of low-income households, who are increasingly reliant on support schemes like the HSF to manage basic living costs.
With applications set to reopen on August 4, the council has urged residents to be patient as processing times are expected to take up to two months. Applicants are encouraged to keep an eye on updates from the council and not submit duplicate applications.