Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey
MP): Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, this Government has provided
an unprecedented package of support for individuals, families,
communities and businesses who need financial help at this critical
time.
The Covid Local Support Grant (previously known as the Covid
Winter Grant Scheme) has enabled Local Authorities in England to
support families across the country who are struggling with the
cost of food and utility bills as a result of the Coronavirus
pandemic. The scheme has run from 1st December, with a total
investment of over £269m so far. Between 1st December and 16th
April, Local Authorities had made almost 6.3m awards under the
scheme.
The Covid Local Support Grant arrangements will be extended for a
final time, with a further investment of £160m, to cover the
period up to 30th September. This temporary support is being
extended beyond the planned ending of restrictions, to help
families get back on their feet as the economy recovers and the
vaccine rollout continues. Well-paid work is the best route out
of poverty and that is why we have a Plan for Jobs.
The Covid Local Support Grant is in addition to the £220m Holiday
Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which has been scaled up to
cover the whole of England across the major school holidays in
2021 – including this summer. The HAF will provide disadvantaged
children across the country with healthy meals and enriching
activities.
