Team Lopez - Families that have been hardest hit by the pandemic and need extra support this winter with food and bills will benefit from a new £170 million scheme unveiled by the Government.
The Covid Winter Grant Scheme will see councils across England share £170 million in additional, ring-fenced funding to help vulnerable families and individuals, with Havering receiving £664,716.69.
This will prevent children from going hungry this winter and ensure local families get the help they need. It builds on the £63 million already provided to councils this year to assist with those struggling to buy food and essentials.
A further £220 million will be invested in extending the Holiday and Food Programme until next Christmas, meaning that all children eligible for Free School Meals will have the option to join a holiday-time programme that provides healthy food and fun activities during the Easter, summer, and Christmas holidays next year.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Therese Coffey MP, confirmed the Government wanted to ensure vulnerable people are cared for throughout this difficult time and, above all, nobody should go hungry or be unable to pay their bills this winter. The Government knows this has been a challenging time and has consistently supported the lowest-paid families, protecting 9 million jobs with furlough and boosting welfare support by £9.3 billion.