Families in Knowsley will continue to benefit from a range of support thanks to the extension of the Government’s Household Support Fund.
Councillors in the borough have agreed a package of support, both direct to families in need and to community groups and organisations working in the community. It comes after it was confirmed that council would receive a further £1.862m from the fund, which had previously been due to end in September 2024.
Among the agreed measures is the continuation of food vouchers during school holidays for families whose children are eligible for free school meals.
The funding will also enable the council to continue to provide food and essentials for residents in need, including helping with the cost of fuel and other utility bills.
Knowsley Council has been supporting residents over the past few years thanks to its own investment of over £4.9m in a Knowsley Better Together Hardship Fund, complemented by the Government’s Household Support Fund, which had been due to end in September 2024.
Cllr Jayne Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Resources at Knowsley Council, said: “We’re really proud of the support that we have been providing for residents in need and families who are really struggling as a result of the cost of living crisis.
“The extension of the Household Support Fund is allowing us to continue this financial lifeline for another six months, which will provide much needed reassurance for many people in Knowsley, especially as we head into winter.”