Council to support families and the vulnerable in Central Bedfordshire this winter as part of £587k package

Central Bedfordshire Council has announced a £587,000 winter support package to help families and vulnerable individuals who are struggling with the cost of food, bills and other essentials over the winter months.

The funding, which is part of a £170million national scheme from the Department for Work and Pensions, aims to support people facing hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A large part of this fund will be used to help the families of more than 5,000 children in Central Bedfordshire who are eligible to claim free school meals with their food costs over the school holiday period. These families may also be able to receive extra support to help them with fuel bills over the winter months.

£50,000 will be set aside to support a number of food banks over the winter, to help them keep up with the increasing demand brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Sue Clark, executive member for families, education and children, said: “The pandemic has put financial pressures on a lot of families, and we are grateful for this extra funding to support those most in need during the cold winter months. Those who are struggling should reach out to us for support if they need it.”

Plans for distributing the support are currently being developed, but it is expected families eligible for free school meals will be contacted through their children’s schools, and the council will offer support to some individuals directly through social workers, housing and children’s centre staff.

More information is available here