Mel Stride MP has welcomed the announcement of an additional £3.5million of Government funding to further support vulnerable children and families in Devon this winter. Devon County Council will receive £2,042,754 and the unitary authorities of Plymouth and Torbay will receive £926,040 and £500,463.
The funding is part of the Covid Winter Grant Scheme which will see councils across England share £170 million in additional, ring-fenced funding to help vulnerable families and individuals. It builds on the £63 million already provided to councils this year to assist those struggling to buy food and essentials.
A further £220 million will be invested in extending the Holiday and Food Programme until next Christmas, meaning that all children eligible for Free School Meals will have the option to join a holiday-time programme that provides healthy food and fun activities during the summer, Christmas and Easter holidays next year.
Mel, who chairs the influential House of Commons Treasury Select Committee, said:
“Throughout the pandemic the Government has rightly made sure that families who are most vulnerable to the impact of Covid-19 have been prioritised and this additional funding will help those on the lowest incomes with bills, food and other essentials during what may be a very difficult winter period.”
