The Household Support Fund offers help and advice for those most in need.
North East Lincolnshire has been allocated £3.1-million from a central Government pot of £842-million to support local households most in need.
The national Household Support Fund, (HSF), was introduced by Government last year, as the rising cost of living was impacting across the country. In April it was extended for another year, with a special HSF Awareness Week taking place this week (16-22 October) to ensure people know what is available to them as winter approaches.
The HSF is aimed at those most in need including families, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and people with disabilities, and North East Lincolnshire Council is working with a range of voluntary and third party organisations to implement support and advice. You can find more information on the council’s website, www.nelincs.gov.uk/benefits/household-support-fund/
Speaking as the HSF Awareness Week launched today (Monday), Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, Mims Davies MP, said: “Our £842-million extension to the Household Support Fund this year is delivering vital support at a local level to some of the most vulnerable families in England.
“Whether it be providing energy efficient white goods to help save on costs, running free budget cooking classes or offering support for families with their finances, this Household Support Fund Awareness Week and beyond, I encourage anyone struggling to get in touch with their local council to find out what support is available in their area,” he added.
In North East Lincolnshire the grant has been allocated as follows – as a percentage of the total fund:Free School Meals vouchers during school holidays, 31%: referral applications and direct payments, 47%: energy grants and foodbanks 15%; admin 7%.
Cllr Stephen Harness, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: “The funding is here for a reason and that is to ensure people get support if they need it. This winter, like last year, will be challenging for some and if help is there that people are entitled to, then please get it.”
Cllr Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, added: “The extension of the Fund for this year has been most welcome. With my focus on children and young people, I would like to stress that there is help and support out there for families so please do get in touch.”
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