The Government have given Bury Council over £200,000 of funding specifically to support families who are struggling with food and essentials. Rather than extending Free School Meals to holidays beyond this summer, the government rolled out a £63m plan for Councils to deliver a targeted approach to those families that most need it. This includes providing food for those who need it.
More than £9 billion has been pumped into the welfare system to support vulnerable people and our communities since March alone. It’s only right we support those who most need it through a really difficult time.
Cllr. Nick Jones, Conservative Group Leader said: “No child should go hungry over the half term break. I am pleased the government are keeping their promise and have supported Local Authorities direct, especially here in Bury providing the Council with over £200,000 to specifically support those struggling to buy food and essential supplies.
“The funding Bury Council has received will enable them to support families direct, through a targeted approach. Targeted support is the best way to support families on low incomes and vulnerable children. Over the weekend the Council announced it will use £120,000 to support the families of 2,000 vulnerable youngsters.
“The funding will also ensure Bury Council can support schools to ensure they can continue their food schemes for children such as breakfast clubs. I believe the best way to support families is through the welfare system. Through pumping money into the welfare system supports families direct. Through this, we’ve recently seen Universal credit has gone up by £1,000 per year following the £9 billion in additional funding.”
Food Minister Victoria Prentis MP, who leads the cross-government Food and Essential Supplies to the Vulnerable Task Force, said:
"The extraordinary circumstances of this pandemic have meant real financial difficulty for many households, with people left facing hard choices."
"To help those who are struggling to afford food and other essentials, today we are announcing an additional £63 million which will be given to and distributed by local authorities to those in need."
"Local authorities are already doing a brilliant job helping the most vulnerable in their communities and this extra money will enable them to help more families and individuals at this extremely difficult time."
