The government has announced an extension of its Household Support Fund, providing an additional £421 million to local councils and authorities, aimed at assisting residents facing financial difficulties. Under this initiative, customers at major supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Lidl might receive complimentary vouchers.
In a recent update, Labour’s Rachel Reeves affirmed the Torys decision to continue the Household Support Fund until April 2025, infusing it with an extra 421 million pounds. When launched, the scheme encouraged councils to prioritise the funds for “vulnerable households in most need of support to help with significantly rising living costs”.
The government highlights that pensioners and others who are finding it difficult to heat their homes or cover other essential items during the colder months should reach out to their local council for potential support opportunities. Further details on the updated programme for local authorities is expected to be shared soon.
Devolved administrations have been earmarked to receive about £79 million through the Barnett formula. This allows Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to decide on the most effective use of these funds, reports Birmingham Live.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves commented on the economic landscape, saying: “The £22 billion blackhole inherited from the previous governments means we have to take tough decisions to fix the foundations of our economy.”
Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, has confirmed the extension of a crucial support scheme, stating: “But extending the Household Support Fund is the right thing to do provide targeted support for those who need it most as we head into the winter months.”
She further added: “We are extending the Household Support Fund for the next six months because it is a lifeline for people who are struggling with the cost of living.
“The dire inheritance we face means more people are living in poverty now than 14 years ago and this government is taking immediate action to prevent a cliff edge of support for the most vulnerable in our society. At the same time, we are taking action to fix the foundations of our country through our plans to grow the economy, make work pay, and Get Britain Working again.”