Funding to support those most in need extended to September

Funding to support those most in need extended to September.

The Household Support Fund, managed by North East Lincolnshire Council and funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, was originally expected to end in March.

The latest tranche of funding is worth some £1.5m locally.

Under plans approved by the Council’s Cabinet, the money will be spent on a number of solutions to ease the burden on those who are struggling.

Supermarket vouchers will be provided for families who have children in receipt of free school meals to help them with food costs throughout the summer holidays.

A number of grants will be offered to voluntary and community organisations to allow them to offer local people support in a variety of different ways.

Some small grants will be made available to those most in need, which can be accessed through a referral scheme by trusted partners.

There will also be some grants available to specific groups who are vulnerable, including people with caring responsibilities, people with disabilities, young people who have left care, and older people.

The Household Support Fund has seen £9.6m directed to North East Lincolnshire to support people and their families with the increase in the cost of living.

To find out more about the household support fund, visit: www.nelincs.gov.uk/household-support-fund.

Councillors voted to approve the proposals for the funding at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 12 June 2024.