Surrey and Hampshire to get £5 million in funding to support families in need this winter

It is part of the government's 170 million pound Covid Winter Grant Scheme.

Author: Grace McGachyPublished 30th Nov 2020

More than £5 million of funding has been allocated to support those in need in Surrey and Hampshire this Christmas.

It is part of the government's £170m Covid Winter Grant Scheme.

Surrey County Council will get £2,126,391.50 and Hampshire County Council £2,898,701.72.

The Covid Winter Grants are focused on helping families buy essentials and 80% of funds are ring-fenced to be spent on food, energy and water bills.

It is up to the local authorities to decide the best method of support for their area.

This could include, for example, direct payments to individuals, providing meals directly, supporting food distribution charities, or providing food vouchers.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Thérèse Coffey said:

“No one should go hungry or be unable to pay their bills this winter. By empowering local authorities who know their areas best, this scheme ensures families are warm and well-fed this Christmas.

“This adds to the wide range of support already available, including £9.3 billion of additional welfare support to help families in need during the pandemic, along with mortgage holidays, support for renters, and billions in income support through the furlough scheme.”