Family budgets across the country are being squeezed by this pandemic.
That's why on top of the support already provided, the Government has announced a new £170 million Covid Winter Grant Scheme for local councils to help people most in need.
I'm pleased Kent County Council has been allocated £4.5 million from this new fund to help the hardest hit people and families put food on the table and pay the bills over the winter months.
The extra funding will provide food for children who need it over the holidays and make sure families don’t have to go without essential items. Local authorities will be able to spend the money directly or go through trusted partners like food banks and community groups to make sure support gets to where it is needed.
The 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. Funding will kick in from December.
On top of this, the Government has announced that the Holiday Activity and Food programme will be expanded next year at a cost of up to £220 million.
We said no child should go hungry, and we meant it.
