New lockdown fund from council to support struggling families

FAMILIES WHO are struggling financially with the extra pressures of COVID-19, staying at home and home-schooling will be supported by Calderdale Council’s new lockdown support fund.

The Council is boosting its ongoing help for families facing financial hardship, by offering a £15 direct payment for each child who receives free school meals, and to families on low income so that younger children, who are not yet at school age, are also supported.

As the February school halfterm approaches, this will help to ensure that the most disadvantaged children and young people are kept warm, well-fed, safe and healthy.

Coun Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Leader (pictured), said: “The colder weather combined with many pupils learning from home has had a big financial impact on our communities. Some families are struggling to make ends meet.

“It’s vital that we all stay at home and avoid mixing with other people. We know this puts more pressure on family budgets, with many struggling to keep their homes warm and put food on the table.

“We are doing everything we can to support our most vulnerable residents and help them to do the right thing by staying at home. In addition to our existing support, we’re proud to launch our new lockdown support fund. We hope this will help the families most in need to cope with home learning without needing to call on support from others, thereby reducing the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19.”