COVID Local Support Grant extended to September

Families in England will get extra support with food and key bills, thanks to the final extension from the government’s COVID Local Support Grant.

First introduced in December 2021, the grant has been extended through to September bringing it in line with the end date for furlough along with other coronavirus-related support. This really is beyond the planned ending of restrictions, to help families return to their feet as the economy recovers and also the vaccine rollout continues.

Since start of the scheme, support created by councils has included food vouchers and help with heating costs within the winter season. The funding is ring-fenced to ensure that 80 per cent is used to support families with bills for food, key utilities along with other essentials.

With a new round of funding, councils can continue this support and adapt their offer to suit the needs of families. Those people who are looking for support should contact their council to find out how they can access it and what support is going to be available within the coming months.

Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince said: “This grant is ensuring that a large number of families get help with food and essential bills once we move back towards normality. The new funding extends this lifeline to people most in need of assistance within the coming months as we still help families back on their own feet, including supporting people back into sort out our multi-billion pound Arrange for Jobs.”