The council’s Executive voted on January 22, 2025, to withdraw financial support for the fund.
According to Bromley Foodbank, the scheme helps around 400 low-income households each year with critical items such as beds, fridge freezers and cookers.
The £250,000 fund, financed through a government grant, has been described as a vital safety net for those facing severe hardship.
Ray Nowak, a campaigner for Bromley Borough Foodbank, said: “We work on the front lines of these situations and see firsthand how the absence of basic household essentials quickly worsens a person’s quality of life.
“It always leads to further hardship that is more difficult for services to manage.”
According to Bromley Foodbank, the fund has been a lifeline for families who have lost everything in house fires, domestic abuse survivors rebuilding their lives and elderly residents struggling to store fresh food.
Essential household appliances cost hundreds of pounds, and without financial assistance many will be unable to meet basic living standards.
Bromley Food Bank also argues this could lead to greater costs for the council and local health services as vulnerable residents face worsening conditions.
Bromley Borough Foodbank also highlights the increasing strain on local charities.
While organisations across the borough already provide vital support, they say they cannot fill the gap left by the removal of the fund.
The council has cited financial pressures as the reason for the cut, but campaigners argue alternative solutions were not explored.
The foodbank is now calling on Bromley Council to reconsider its decision and work with residents, charities and stakeholders to find a sustainable way to keep the fund running.
Kate Sing’ombe, Bromley Borough Foodbank Manager, added: “Local organisations already provide significant support to struggling residents, but they cannot fill the gap left by the closure of this fund.”
A petition has been launched urging the council to reinstate the scheme.
Cllr Colin Smith, Leader of Bromley Council said, “The very difficult reality of the situation is that due to ongoing underfunding from Central Government.
“Bromley Council simply does not have enough money to continue with all the work we have done previously, given the £multi-million shortfall we are facing over coming years, and we are looking at every single budget line to make savings.
“There is alternative provision, which includes for instance funding from the Household Support Fund from April and budgeting loans for those eligible.
“A range of support advice also remains available and like now, we will also signpost people towards organisations who may be able to help.”
