News

Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the UK government, the Household Support Fund scheme supports vulnerable Kent households in need of help with significantly rising living costs. The Government has announced that this current round of HSF funding will be the last.

This final round of Household Support Fund will provide Winter Food or Energy support, and will run from January to end February 2026, offering an online public application route that enables individual self-referral, or professional referrals on behalf of individuals requiring digital assistance, to be made.

This scheme has provisionally been scheduled to open for online applications from Mid-day on Thursday 8th January 2026 and will close at Mid-day Thursday 26th February 2026. These dates subject to change at short notice. The Scheme may close earlier if all the available HSF funds are allocated, therefore early application is recommended.

There is a limited amount of funding available for this scheme and funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Support is offered on a one award per ‘household’ basis, therefore applications from more than one resident deemed to be within the same household will not be approved.

Please note that online registration is required for energy card support, those applicants being referred who do not have access to the internet or a smart phone will be offered a food voucher, which can be delivered by post or email but does not require online security registration.

If successful, energy support will be provided in the following ways depending on their bill payment method:  

A £90 virtual pre-paid energy card* to be used to pay directly to energy providers for electricity, gas, or water bills. Energy providers including British Gas, EDF, Eon, Bulb, Octopus and many more. Sent to applicant via email by our provider Evouchers.com. Any help you may need to redeem your food or Energy card can be found at:

·       https://help.evouchers.com/hc/en-gb/articles/24186825100433-How-to-claim-and-activate-your-prepaid-card

*The prepaid card is issued by Paynetics UK (company number 1248133), with its registered address at 1st Floor, 18 Devonshire Row, London, England, EC2M 4RH. Paynetics UK is an electronic money institution authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 942777 for the issuance of e-money and the provision of payment services in the UK.Weavr Ltd acts as a distributor of Paynetics UK in the UK territory.For more information, including the terms and conditions and privacy notice, please visit our website at Evouchers. Google Wallet is a trademark of Google LLC. Wonde Limited trading as Evouchers is a company registered in England and Wales (registration number 08645640) with its registered office at Furlong House, 2 Kings Court, Newmarket, CB8 7SG. Wonde is not an authorised electronic money institution

All applicants receiving a ‘virtual’ energy card will need to complete the online card registration and activation process, those without internet/email access will require professional referrer assistance. Alternatively, you may wish to refer off-line applicants for food vouchers, as these can be used without online activation and delivered by post if needed. Applicants opting for food vouchers will be able to choose a retailer from a list of selected retailers during the application process.

Where possible we ask that you keep Food voucher postal referrals to absolute minimum as this helps to reduce the scheme costs and enables more residents to be supported from the limited HSF funds provided.  

We welcome any support you can offer to assist those applicants being referred to download their vouchers. Postal fulfilment requests will take longer to be processed (please allow an additional 2-3 weeks) and will require a delivery signature.

Applicants on a pre-payment meter required to top-up in-store using a key or card will receive either a PayPoint or PayZone energy voucher by email/sms which can be redeemed at their local kiosk. If making a referral, please ensure that the correct voucher payment type is requested on the application form as refunds are not possible for these top-up vouchers once issued.

Who is eligible? 

There is an expectation for professionals to complete due diligence checks of applications to ensure that beneficiaries meet the scheme eligibility criteria as set out below: 

Applicants that self-refer will be required to submit evidence to prove that they are the energy bill payer for the household and a Kent resident, within an eligible Kent district, at the point of application.  

Applicants must 

• be aged 16 or over
• be a Kent resident, permanently living within one of the 12 local authorities covered by Kent County Council (this excludes Medway, Bexley, or Bromley)
• be in receipt of means tested benefits or, if you are not in receipt of means tested benefits, you have a household income of £33,000 or less per year
• not be eligible for free school meals.

We will check proof of residency against the live Department for Work and Pensions database and may request further evidence from applicants such as a recent utility bill or bank statement. We expect professionals who complete the application on behalf of someone else to make sure the applicant meets all the eligibility criteria. All professional referrals must be submitted from an official organisation email address, we may conduct a further email verification check with the organisation before processing the application.

Families who are eligible for free school meals support are, as is usual, excluded from this scheme as they will receive a voucher and holiday support, funded by the Household Support Fund, for each eligible child via their child’s school outside of this scheme. FSM families should contact their child’s school in the first instance if you believe they are entitled to this FSM support.

Residents with no recourse to public funding are eligible to be considered for the scheme by exception. If a National Insurance number is not available, please email kcc-hsffoodandenergysupport@kent.gov.uk with circumstances and reasons why the applicant should receive this support (please attach all supporting evidence to the email).

Application link: 

If support is required because of the increase in cost of living, apply for the Household Support Fund on the following link: 

Household Support Fund – Kent County Council 

(application form link will not appear until the scheme opens at noon on Thursday 8th January 2026)

Only one application is permitted per household, applicants are reminded that this is taxpayers’ money so please spend it wisely on your energy, food and essential household items only.

All applications must be completed online, an offline bulk upload application (minimum of 6 applicants) template will be made available to professionals on request once the scheme opens.  

Citizens Advice will also provide support to applicants who struggle to make online applications by calling the Citizens Advice freephone helpline on 0300 304 8003 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm – this line opens Thursday 8th January until scheme closure) they will submit online applications on behalf of applicant. This line is expected to be busy so please warn potential applicants to be patient if contacting the Citizens Advice Team for help. 

Processing timescales 

We aim to send the relevant Energy (virtual) cards and Food vouchers out as quickly as possible, however due to the high volume of demand and increased DWP fraud prevention measures we anticipate a processing time of approximately 4 weeks of a successful application being made. Applicants requesting Postal Food vouchers will usually take an additional 2 weeks to manually print and post. We strongly recommend email as the most secure and fastest delivery method where possible. The applicant and referrer (if applicable) will receive email confirmation of the application outcome. 

Be aware of scammers 

Be aware of criminals trying to capitalise on schemes like this. This scheme does not require any bank account details, and we will never request these details over the phone or via email or text message. Be sure to check whether links and emails are genuine before responding. If you are in any doubt about correspondence you have received, which relates to the scheme or an application, please email/phone the HSF team at the contact address below.

 Additional Queries 

Any additional queries can be directed to  

kcc-hsffoodandenergysupport@kent.gov.uk

 or via the direct contact number 03000 412424.

Sandgate Library is a warm and safe space throughout the year. We welcome all local residents to come in throughout our opening hours to read, browse, meet up with friends and be warm any time we’re open:

Monday & Thursday: 9.30am – 5pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 9.30am – 1pm

https://sandgate-pc.gov.uk/library-opening-times/

In addition, over the winter we’re adding a coffee morning every Tuesday from 10-12, with free tea, coffee and biscuits generously sponsored by Saga.

Please feel free to drop in, get a hot drink and just catch-up with neighbours. We’d love to see you: first coffee morning Tuesday 2nd December. There WILL be biscuits.

On Friday 5th December, we’d love to see you and your family and friends in Sandgate to get together and kick off Christmas! We should have the lights up through Sandgate High Street and at the Golden Valley shops, plus a Christmas Tree on the Village Green, and with luck tree lights in Enbrook Park.

Local businesses are also going to have their decorations up and are ready to welcome you for the evening with a real variety of events:

A special jolly VIP doing a meet and greet in Sandgate Library (James Morris Court, Sandgate High Street) about 5 – 6pm that evening for the under 10s.

Carol Singing By the Christmas Tree 🎶 The Sandgate Society are being joined by FHODS panto cast for carol singing (5:30 – 6pm either on the Village Green or if too wet and windy in Yaps).

Mimosa (28 Sandgate High Street) will have a small table by the Village Green for the Christmas Lights event. They will be giving out 50 cups of mulled wine and 30 hot chocolates for children, free of charge.

The Dog House (92 Sandgate High Street) will be open until mid evening, have a food and drink offer and small craft market;

The Providence Inn (47-49 Sandgate High Street) has carols, mulled wine, mince pies and live music from Joe from 5pm;

The Ship Inn (65 Sandgate High Street) will be serving mulled wine/cider, alongside festive small plates including homemade sausage rolls and mince pies.

Loaf (61 Sandgate High Street) will be open until mid-evening with festive drinks, nibbles and cheer,

The Sandgate Deli (88a Sandgate High Street) open for late shopping with mulled cider and children’s crafts;

ShortCircuit (104 Sandgate High Street) open for retro Christmas Pacman for kids and Pacman kids!

Grace and Folk (53 Sandgate High Street) will be open until 7.30pm offering free gift wrapping on all purchases & complementary treats!

Natalina’s (97 Sandgate High Street) will be open until 7pm ready to welcome you with some delicious Italian treats.

Yaps (31-33 Sandgate High Street) will be open into the evening with some Christmas spirit for all.

John Dory (102 Sandgate High Street) will have mince pies and port through the late afternoon and evening.

If there are even more events happening that night please let us know and we’d love to add them to the list! Email clerk@sandgate-pc.gov.uk and let us know!

Safety advice for Halloween and Bonfire night taking place in the next few weeks.

Halloween – Trick or Treating

We want you to enjoy Halloween, but remember, not everyone wants to take part!

Here’s a few things to remember when you are celebrating Halloween.

10 top tips for staying safe this Halloween

1. Some masks can obstruct vision, a potential danger, when crossing roads. Consider using face paints instead.

2. If your children are trick or treating outside, make sure they are wearing visible clothing – consider using reflective tape and always ensure any costumes and masks are labelled as flame resistant.

3. When trick or treating, Children should go out in groups, younger children should be accompanied by an adult.

4. Older children should agree with parents or guardians in advance exactly where they are going and when they will be back.

5. Make sure children know not to enter anyone’s house and not to accept lifts in people’s cars.

6. Talk through the idea of trick or treat, and make sure your children don’t do anything to upset or annoy the people they visit.

7. Keep to pavements and trick or treat on one side of the street before crossing safely to the other side – don’t criss-cross.

8. Stay in well-lit areas where there are plenty of houses.

9. Carefully check all the things children have been given. Sweets and food that are still in their original wrappers are safest.

10. Remember – have fun but be safe!

There are two posters below, If you have an elderly or vulnerable friend, relative or neighbour who does not enjoy callers at their door, help them display the ‘no’ poster clearly in the window. If you do receive an unexpected caller at the door, don’t feel pressured to answer if you don’t want to. If you are taking your children out trick or treating, please be considerate and avoid houses who are displaying the ‘no’ poster.

You are also welcome to display the ‘yes’ poster if you would like to make it clear to trick or treaters that you are taking part this Halloween.

Bonfire / Firework Safety

Officers will be carrying out extra patrols in your area to keep you safe, however there are number of steps you can take to ensure a great Bonfire Night. Remember:

• An organised display is the safest way to enjoy fireworks.
• Fireworks are noisy (which can upset very young or elderly people as well as pets). They can cause damage and they can cause serious injuries if not used properly.
• Only buy fireworks from a legitimate retailer.
• It is an offence to buy fireworks by anyone under the age of 18. You can be fined or imprisoned for buying or using fireworks illegally.
• Shops are not allowed to sell fireworks louder than 120 decibels.
• It is an offence to let fireworks off between 11pm and 7am except on 5th November when the cut off is midnight and on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year when the cut off is 1am. It is also an offence to set off fireworks in the street, onto a road or in a public place.
• Anyone caught causing a nuisance with fireworks will receive an instant fine of £80 and any fireworks found on a person under 18 will be confiscated.
• Always inform your neighbours if you are using fireworks and be considerate.
• Keep bonfires small and manageable and build them away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees, bushes and vehicles.
• Never use flammable liquids – paraffin or petrol – to light the fire.
• Avoid drinking alcohol whilst in charge of a bonfire or fireworks and particularly when supervising children.
• In case of an emergency, keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready.
• Make sure your fireworks conform to British Standards BS 7114, EN 14035 or EN 15947.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box and use/light them one at a time.
• Light the firework at arm’s length using a taper or fuse wick and stand well back – never return to a firework once it has been lit.
• Only children over the age of five are allowed to use sparklers and should be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Remember, if you break the law on fireworks you could be sent to prison for up to six months or a child’s parents or carers could receive a fine.

The use of fireworks can cause distress to residents, especially the elderly, those with conditions such as autism and PTSD, as well as to pets. It’s not the flash that often causes distress, it’s the bang.

Fireworks Code – Before they explode read the code!

1	Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
2	Never give sparklers to a child under 5
3	Buy fireworks marked BS 7114
4	Keep fireworks in a closed box
5	Follow the instructions on each firework
6	Light them at arm’s length using a taper
7	Stand well back
8	Never go back to a lit firework
9	Never put fireworks in your pocket
10	Never throw fireworks
11	Keep pets indoors

Safety Advice

Take Care With Sparklers

Sparklers can reach a temperature of up to 2,000°C, I’m sure you’ll agree that’s quite hot!

So when handling them, always wear gloves. And when you’ve finished, have a bucket of water which people can plunge them in. If you’re giving them to children, then make sure they’re observed at all times.

Children under five should never hold a sparkler. Instead, you can give them a glow stick so they don’t feel left out, and it will last a lot longer than a sparkler.

Have Someone In Charge

You need to delegate one person to be in charge of the display. Give them a hi-vis vest so everyone can easily identify and find them. They should abstain from drinking, at least until after the display.

Doing otherwise increases the risk of injury, and means they’re less able to supervise properly. Equip them with a torch to see what they’re doing and a hat, gloves and goggles to keep them protected.

Buying Your Fireworks

Always buy fireworks from a reputable shop. Don’t cut corners trying to save a few quid and don’t buy from places you’re unsure about. All fireworks that conform to British Standards should have BS 7114 written on the packaging.

Also, make sure you buy fireworks which are appropriate. Most fireworks in Categories 1 to 3 will be okay for a garden display. All Category 4 fireworks are only for professional displays.

Setting Off The Fireworks

Long before you set them off, you should have read the instructions and prepared in the daylight. Let your neighbours know and remember it’s better to be over cautious. Make sure the area is clear of animals and people, and that all your guests are stood well back. Only light one firework at a time and never return to a firework after you’ve lighted it.

Once lit, run to safety and watch the beautiful fireworks light up the sky.

And Just In Case

Unfortunately, things can go wrong from time to time. If someone does get burnt, then remain calm. Cool the burn with cold water, then cover and go to a hospital if it’s serious. Maybe have a small first aid kit to hand for such accidents.

Should someone’s clothes catch alight, then get them to perform the stop, drop and roll. Have a fire blanket which you can also wrap around someone will put out the flames. And having a 2kg powder fire extinguisher means you can act quickly and prevent a small fire escalating.

Who to contact to report suspicious activity or a crime?

• If there is a threat to life or public safety, or you suspect a crime is in progress, call 999
• To report a crime other than a crime in progress call 101 or visit the Kent Police website to access the ‘Live Chat’ facility.