Wokingham Borough Council’s Conservative Group have welcomed an announcement by the Government that it will stand fully behind children and families by providing additional support this winter.
The Covid Winter Grant Scheme, launched by the Conservative Government, will deliver an extra £208,703 to help those in the Borough hit hardest by the pandemic.
The ring-fenced funding is part of a package of £170million being handed to councils across England.
The money from the scheme will provide further support to families who need help with food and bills over the coming months.
Alongside the Covid Winter Grant Scheme, the Government is delivering a further £220million in extending the Holiday and Food Programme until Christmas 2021.
Children eligible for Free School Meals will be given the option of joining a holiday-time programme providing healthy food and activities throughout next year.
The Holiday and Food Programme builds on £63million already handed to councils this year to help those struggling to buy food and essentials.
John Halsall, Leader of Wokingham Borough Council and the Conservative Group, has said: “Through no fault of their own, Covid-19 has left many in difficulty across the Borough as they struggle to make ends meet. As Conservatives, we believe that, during these extraordinary times, it’s the job of Central and Local Government to step up and stand behind people in need. No child should go hungry, and we lobbied our colleagues in Government to do everything possible to prevent this happening. I’m pleased that Conservatives in Government have heard our concerns, and are providing this additional funding to help families buy food, as well as extending the Holiday Activities and Food Programme.”
“While Conservatives are in charge of this Council, we will continue to strive to end hardship wherever we find it in this Borough.”
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