Good news for households struggling through crisis
alsobeentoldtheycanusethe cash to provide other support for struggling families.
“Many people across Sunderland will be experiencing additional hardship because of COVID-19,” said Coun Paul Stewart, cabinet secretary at Sunderland City Council.
“The council’s existing Local Council Tax Support scheme takes into account yourpersonalcircumstances, including your income, your ageandthelevelofsavingsyou have. Allocations of Governmentfundinghavebeenbased onthelatestavailableinformationofthenumberofworking age claimants for this support inSunderland,around19,400 people.
“The access to extra funding from the government is welcome because the council isanticipatingfurtherenquiries as the COVID curbs begin to impact upon many people’s incomes.
“Over the next few days I will be working with officers to ensure that the scheme maximises the benefit to our residents,supportingasmany people as possible.”
The most recent government budget included a £500million Hardship Fund tosupportvulnerablefamilies mostaffectedbyCoronavirus.
In Sunderland, the cash will be available to reduce council tax bills and fund the city council’s Crisis Support and Community Care Support schemes, both of which are open to people claiming benefitsorwhocanshowthey have no ‘readily available savings, capital or investments to meet their needs’.
Councils have also been promised a further £1.6billion to support services, such as adult social care and help for the homeless, affected by the outbreak.
Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick promised ministerswoulddo‘whatever it takes to help’.
He said: “Providing the necessary financial support to people and families is critical at this difficult time when many people will be concerned about changes to their income.”