Crisis Resilience Fund: Digital Payment Solution for Crisis Support

Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) is seeking a digital payment solution to deliver the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), a government-funded programme launching 1 April 2026. The CRF provides crisis support and financial resilience services to households experiencing financial hardship, with HCC receiving £11.3 million for 2026/27. The payment system must enable rapid, multi-channel crisis payments (estimated 30% of allocation) through multiple delivery routes including council teams, trusted professional partners, and commissioned providers. Key requirements include: supporting flexible, application-based self-referral processes; reducing administrative burden; maintaining consistent controls and strong governance; providing accurate management information for local oversight and DWP reporting; and scaling to meet fluctuating demand. The system must be person-centred, trauma-informed, and accessible. The CRF programme runs until 31 March 2029. This is an opportunity for suppliers to provide critical infrastructure supporting vulnerable households across the county.