Helping the vulnerable during the pandemic

The government is giving unprecedented support to help those most in need during the pandemic – backed by £200 billion.

  • Throughout the pandemic, the government has stood behind families that need our support.
     
  • Free school meal vouchers were provided during the closure of schools – the first time any UK government has ever offered this type of support to children. But Britain is now in a different position – with over 99 per cent of state schools back open to pupils – and fully committed to supporting the children most in need with meals throughout term time. 
     
  • This has been a challenging time for everyone. That’s why we have boosted benefits, allowing low-income families to choose how they spend their money and on what, rather than government choosing for them through providing supermarket vouchers. This support includes:

    • Income support schemes that have helped more than 9.2 million people stay in employment.
       
    • Increasing Universal Credit by £1,000 per year.
       
    • Increasing Local Housing Allowance and providing £180 million for discretionary housing payments to help families with their rent.
       
    • Creating the £63 million local welfare assistance fund so councils can help those struggling to get hold of food and essentials.
       
    • Providing £16 million for food charities.
    • Here in Cumbria the most recent wave of this support include £555 thousand to Cumbria County Council to help those struggling to afford food and essential supplies.

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