Boroughs across London are urging the government to extend the Household Support Fund, as its end date of March approaches.
Following a new survey by London Councils, the impact that the fund has had in the capital has been outlined. Worth £135.7 million in London across 2023/24, the fund has provided much-needed support to residents during the ongoing cost of living crisis, including:
- 472,000 meals for children during the school holidays
- Emergency food support for 218,000 families
- One-off payments for essentials like food, clothes, gas, and electricity
- Helping people to address longer-term issues such as housing and employment by paying salaries for support and advice workers
- Helping community and voluntary sector organisations deliver services through funding.
Through the same survey, it was revealed that 75% of Londoners believe that the cost of living is the most important issue that the city faces at the moment.
Deputy Chair of London Councils, Cllr Claire Holland, said:
“The life-changing impact of the Household Support Fund is clear. London boroughs have put the £135.7 million fund to good use, providing meals for thousands of children during school holidays and giving low-income families a precious lifeline to help them get back on their feet, whether that involves covering a gas bill or paying for school uniforms.
“As our most vulnerable residents continue to face high living costs, we are calling on Government to continue the Household Support Fund and confirm this as soon as possible. Then boroughs can get on with the job of transforming lives by delivering support where it is most needed.”
With the government not yet confirming whether or not the Household Support Fund will be renewed in March, numerous organisations including London Councils and the Local Government Association have urged the government to continue the support. These calls include transitional plans being put in place if the fund cannot be continued at the same level, as well as warnings that councils face severe pressures that will only increase.
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