Cllr Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, has welcomed the government’s decision to extend the Household Support Fund, but sought clarification over long-term support for those most vulnerable.
Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, announced that £421 million will be distributed to local authorities in England to help people most in need with the cost of energy, food and water, with £79 million for devolved administrations.
With the financial aid only continuing until April 2025, Cllr Ross questioned what support the government would offer to those struggling with the cost of living crisis beyond that date.
Cllr Ross said: “The council welcomes the government’s announcement to extend the Household Support Fund, but this is just a sticking plaster to some very real problems Hull faces.
“In the past, this funding has been used by the council to help those most vulnerable during the difficult winter months when energy bills in particular increase.
“As a council, we want to do all we can to support our residents beyond next April, whether that be through providing warm spaces, free school meals during holiday periods or assisting food banks.
“We can’t do that without further government backing and need urgent clarity beyond this six months extension.”
