Nearly £850 million is to be given to councils to support vulnerable households with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The Government has extended its Household Support Fund for another year, running from 1 April until March 2024.
Councils will be allocated the money, amounting to £842 million, to support anyone struggling with food and energy costs.
The LGA said protecting the most vulnerable from the rising cost of living is a crucial priority that councils share with government, and it is positive to see this fund extended for another year.
Cllr Pete Marland, Chair of the LGA’s Resources Board, said councils know their populations best, using their local knowledge and expertise to target support in the most effective way. He added: “Housing, employment, education and access to services such as debt advice and welfare benefits also all play a major part in improving our communities’ overall health.
“Councils should have the resources and flexibilities to tackle these inequalities, alongside a sufficient mainstream welfare system, which ensures families have enough income to meet their essential living costs. This includes addressing the freeze in local housing allowance rates.
“The Government should also make the Household Support Fund permanent, alongside greater flexibility, to ensure it helps people in the greatest need and, crucially, shift focus from short-term crisis support to investing in prevention.”
