Derek has welcomed the £4.5 million of additional support that the government is giving to the most vulnerable families in Cornwall.
The government’s £500 million Household Support Fund was introduced in September to support vulnerable families during the winter. With more people in work and the economy bouncing back, the Government is focused on investing in jobs and skills – increasing prospects and wages across the country – but wanted to make sure those in greatest need can access vital support to help cover every day costs.
The Household Support Fund has allocated £4.5 million to Cornwall Council, to enable it to continue to offer further support households in most need with food, energy and water bills, as well as other essential costs as well as providing the equivalent to free school meals during the Christmas break and February half term.
The Household Support Fund bolsters the support already available to the Council – including the Emergency Assistance Grant, Covid Winter Grant scheme and the Covid Local Support Grant, all of which run until next year – as well as the funding available to individual families through the Warm Home Discount and the Cold Weather Payment schemes.
Leader of Cornwall Council, Linda Taylor said:
“I am delighted to see the Government provide further funding to support those most in need through the winter months as we continue to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I look forward to seeing this money drawn down and distributed to those who need it most.”
Derek says:
“Government support needs to be targeted – giving more support where it is needed, rather than giving £20 to everyone – and local authorities are in the best position to allocate funds where they are most needed.
“I am pleased that Cornwall Council has received this money and will distribute it to the most vulnerable families in Cornwall.”
