Cllr. Andrew Jefferies Cabinet Member for Education has welcomed the government’s announcement to increase the support to Thurrock families on low income or universal credit during the pandemic.
Cllr Jefferies said we welcome this new support for families who find themselves in difficult times due to the pandemic. This additional fund will enable the Council to help our most vulnerable families this winter and thru to next year.
Earlier in this pandemic the government gave Thurrock a grant of £193,000 to help ensure those who were shielding or vulnerable had food in their cupboards. This was on top of the money Thurrock Council was spending to provide food parcels. Thurrock has over 6000 children in receipt of free school meals and the council delivered over 600 food parcels to the most vulnerable earlier in the year.
Cllr Jefferies added that no child should ever go hungry and with the extra £523,000, Thurrock Council will ensure families that need extra support with food and bills this winter can access it, which is very welcome.
“I am also pleased that the Prime Minster has announced the extension of Holiday Activities and food programme, which provides healthy food and activities for children during the school holidays and has a massive impact on disadvantage young people in our community, to cover Easter, Summer and Christmas next year.
“Along with the measures already announced, Universal Credit increased by £1000, £63 million nationally for emergence assistance to vulnerable families and older residents, extending free school meals when schools were closed and increasing housing allowance to help with paying rent.
This Government and Conservative administration here in Thurrock are making sure families get the help they need.”
