John Baron MP highlights Covid Winter Grant Scheme support

MP: new Covid Local Support Grant provides extra resources

Throughout the pandemic the Government has provided an extensive package of support to strengthen the safety net for individuals, families, communities and businesses who have been under pressure during these challenging times. One key component of this support was the Covid Winter Grant Scheme, which has enabled Local Authorities to target extra support to families and individuals and, in particular, keep children warm and well-fed over the winter period. Between 1st December 2020 and 16th April 2021, Local Authorities have spent 98.3% of the total funding allocation of £229 million, making 6.2 million grants. 92% has been spent on vulnerable families with children and 94% has been spent on food and utility bills. Local authorities were required to spent at least 80% on these grant objectives, to ensure support was directed to where it was most needed.

In Essex, the total Covid Winter Grant Scheme spend was £5,172,337, amounting to 137,802 awards. 94.2% of this expenditure went to families with children, and 80.3% went on food and utilities.

In addition, the Government has created a new Covid Local Support Grant which will run to 20th June, with a further £40 million allocated to Local Authorities, of which Essex’s share will be £903,071. This grant will provide support to Local Authorities to help to children and households who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, poverty during the pandemic.

John said,

“Once again the scale is apparent of the Government’s extensive support for families and communities during this pandemic, and it is welcome news that 137,802 awards have been made in our area. The new Covid Local Support Grant will provide further resources for our Local Authorities to support children and households under pressure from the continuing challenges of the pandemic.”