Portsmouth City Council has launched multiple winter support Portsmouth programmes to assist households facing financial difficulties during the colder months, with schemes opening from December through February 2026.
The local authority is distributing Government-allocated household support funding to residents experiencing severe hardship. Three primary schemes will provide direct financial assistance, including utility payments, food vouchers and emergency relief for those in exceptional circumstances.
The utilities payment scheme offers £150 to eligible single-person households earning below £935 monthly, whilst couples and families with income under £1,350 per month can receive £200 towards energy and water bills. Applications opened on 9 December and close 29 January 2026.
Families with children receiving benefits-related free school meals will automatically receive £30 food vouchers through schools. Additional vouchers are available for households earning £1,870 or less monthly with children aged 0-19, pregnant women beyond 20 weeks, and home-educated children. This scheme runs from 18 December 2025 to 26 February 2026.
An exceptional hardship scheme, opening early January 2026, will support Portsmouth households in severe financial distress with payments for food, bills or essential purchases.
HAF Fun Pompey provides free activities and hot meals for children aged 5-16 receiving benefits-related free school meals throughout the winter school break from 20 December to 3 January.
Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said the authority recognises many residents face difficulties despite not qualifying for targeted schemes. Universal support remains available through various channels.
Warm welcome spaces operate across Portsmouth libraries, community organisations, Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, and Cumberland House Natural History Museum, offering heating, wi-fi, refreshments and activities.
The council’s cost of living hub provides information on food, energy, travel costs, employment and wellbeing support. Residents can contact the helpline weekdays, 9am-5pm on 023 9284 1047.
Food banks, pantries, larders and community meals operate throughout Portsmouth. Advice Portsmouth offers free confidential guidance on bills, benefits, debt, housing and employment via drop-in services, telephone 023 9279 4340, text 07789 550593 or email.
Switched on Portsmouth provides home energy advice and support through a free helpline on 0800 260 5907.
Full eligibility criteria and application details are available at portsmouth.gov.uk/household-support-fund or by calling 023 9268 8010. Schemes may close early if funding is exhausted.
