6 in 10 local councils will be unable to provide extra welfare support from next month.
According to a recent study conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA), more than four out of five councils in England expect more demand for welfare support over the winter.
The Household Support Fund (HSF), introduced by the previous government in 2021, helps people struggling to pay bills, buy food and cover other essentials but is expected to finish at the end of September, the LGA said.
We are under no illusion as to the scale of the challenge we have inherited from the Conservatives after more than a decade of low growth and a £22 billion black hole in the public finances.
— Rachel Reeves (@RachelReevesMP) August 15, 2024
That’s why we are taking the tough decisions now to fix the foundations of our economy.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves also announced last month that the winter fuel allowance for pensions would be means-tested as she tries to fill a £22 billion black hole in public finances.
This morning, the Scottish government confirmed it will follow the UK government in no longer providing winter fuel payments to all pensioners.
The LGA is calling for the HSF to be extended for at least six months to avoid a "cliff-edge" drop in support.
A total of 94% of councils who responded to an LGA survey said the funds should continue.
Nearly 60% said they would not be able to provide any additional funding for local welfare assistance if it ends in September.
Recommended reading:
Rachel Reeves announces 'painful' public spending cuts
Rachel Reeves says Government determined to save Hitachi
Age UK condemns Rachel Reeves' pension benefit cuts
"The Household Support Fund is a vital safety net"
Councillor Pete Marland, chair of the LGA's economy and resources board, told Sky News: "The Household Support Fund is a vital safety net for vulnerable residents struggling with the cost of living, which councils are using to target help to those most in need, but is currently due to run out in a matter of weeks.
"We are approaching another cliff edge before the current fund runs out and we urge the Government to urgently extend this for at least another six months, to help support those most affected through the winter when energy bills in particular are expected to be higher.
"Ultimately, councils want to see a shift away from short-term, crisis support so they can instead invest in preventative services which improve people's financial resilience and life chances. Crucially this must be underpinned by a sufficiently-resourced national welfare system."
A government spokesman said: "This government will tackle the scar of poverty by making sure work pays and improving support to help people into good work.
"More details on the Household Support Fund will be set out in due course."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel