Huge cash pot to support Southampton families
It'll pay for things like free school meals during school holidays
Hundreds of thousands of pounds is to be spent to support Southampton families.
A total of £847,874 will be used to fund free school meals throughout the summer holiday and help city residents pay for food, bills and other essential items.
It comes as the money has been granted to Southampton City Council as part of the government Covid Local Support Grant.
Council leader Councillor Daniel Fitzhenry said most of the grant will be used to fund free school meals throught the summer.
He said:
“For the free school meals we will be working with schools and the rest of the money will be to support vulnerable households and that will be via referrals. It will cover food and utility bills.”
Cllr Fitzhenry said residents who need help can contact Citizens Advice as well as local charities and community groups that work in partnership with the council.
“We are very grateful for the government to continue to help us support the free school meals programme across the city and help those families who need support,” he added.
Overall a total of £2,273,892 has been granted to the city council as part of the government scheme.
Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith, said:
“The pandemic has put immense pressure on local resources and public finances, and I am delighted that Southampton has been awarded an additional £847,874 to help families and the most vulnerable in the city.
"The grant will ensure that thousands of families across Southampton get help with food and essential utility bills as we move back towards normality.
"The additional funding extends a lifeline to those most in need in the coming months as we continue to help families back on their feet.”
The government said the extension of the Covid Local Support Grant through to September is in line with the end date for furlough and other Covid-related support.
It comes as last year the government came under fire after an initial decison not to provide free school meals during school holidays.