Information from the Government.

New winter package to provide further support for children and families

Yesterday, the Government announced a new £170m Covid Winter Grant Scheme. This funding will be ring-fenced, with at least 80% earmarked to support with food and bills and will cover the period to the end of March 2021.

Local authorities will receive the funding at the beginning of December 2020.

This scheme will allow local authorities to support the hardest-hit families and individuals, as well as provide food for children who need it over the holidays. Local authorities understand which groups need support, and are best placed to ensure appropriate holiday support is provided, which is why they will distribute the funds, rather than schools, who will continue providing meals for disadvantaged children during term-time.

The Holiday Activities and Food Programme, which has provided healthy food and enriching activities to disadvantaged children since 2018, will also be expanded across England next year. This programme will cover Easter, Summer and Christmas in 2021, and will be available to children in every local authority in England.