CYP Now - Government's £63m for local welfare assistance schemes 'not enough', charities warn

A £63m cash injection into Local Welfare Assistance (LWA) schemes pledged by the government falls “far short” of the £250m urgently needed as a result of the coronavirus crisis, charities have warned.

The funding falls short of £250m need to support disadvantaged families, charities have warned. Picture: Children's Society

Boris Johnson announced the extra funding at Prime Minister’s questions on Wednesday for local authorities to use “at their discretion” to help the most vulnerable families affected by the pandemic.

“We don’t normally continue with free school meals over the summer holidays but we’re also aware of the particular difficulties faced by vulnerable families,” he told MPs.

A spokesperson for the prime minister later said the funding would add to existing “support mechanisms” available to local authorities.

“It will allow them to step in to provide discretionary financial help to those families who are facing hardship to allow them to pay for food or other necessities,” the spokesperson said.

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