UK doubles tax‑support grant funding to £11.2 million

The UK government has more than doubled its funding for a program that helps people struggling with their tax affairs, pledging over 11 million pounds to charities and community groups. The latest round of the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme, administered by HM Revenue and Customs, opened for applications on June 8, 2026.

The new funding package totals 11.18 million pounds and will be distributed over three years starting in April 2027. This represents more than double the 5.5 million pounds allocated under the previous three-year scheme. The grants, worth approximately 3.73 million pounds annually, will be awarded quarterly through April 2030.

The program is designed to support voluntary and community sector organisations that provide free, specialist advice to HMRC customers who face significant barriers. Officials stated the funding will help organisations assist people who may struggle to understand their tax obligations, have complex personal circumstances, or are digitally excluded from HMRC's expanding online services. Successful applicants will work alongside HMRC's own Extra Support Team to help customers manage tax affairs, navigate digital...