£2.6m cash 'for those that are most in need'

Council bosses in Sunderland are being given over £2.6m to help households most in need with the cost of daily essentials.

The cash is part of a £500m Government scheme – The Household Support Fund – announcedearlierthismonth, and designed to last throughout the winter.

The Government say the money will be distributed by councils because they “know their local areas best” and is aimed at households in need of additional help.

The fund follows the Government’s decision to press ahead with ending the £20-aweek rise in Universal Credit which was introduced as a temporary measure during the pandemic and will broadly consist of small grants to meet dailyneedssuchasfood,clothing and utilities.

Sunderland City Council is to receive £2,673,561 – with councils across the North East being given £24,202,623.

Durham County Council is to receive ££4,676,099.

The Government say those who think they could benefit should contact their local council for more details on what will be available.

David Rutley, minister for welfare delivery, said: “This funding is there to support those most in need by providing extra help over winter, and by working through local councils we can make sure the vulnerable people in our communitiesgetthisvitalsupport.”

The fund is part of a wider packageofsupporttheGovernment is providing this winter.

This includes 2.2m low-income households being given a £140 rebate on energy bills through the Warm Home Discount, and the Cold Weather Payment providing £25 extra a week for those in need in areas where the temperature is consistently below zero.