Gateshead Council’s cabinet has agreed to distribute £1.8m from the Department for Work and Pensions’ household support fund.
The Household Support Fund was established by the DWP to aid those most likely to go cold or hungry without assistance.
Unlike previous funds, the money will be dedicated to three groups, namely children, older households, and ‘Other’. This equates to approximately £582,000 per group.
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However, Gateshead cabinet agreed to spend £756,000 to ensure children who need school meals will have them provided through the May and Summer holidays.
Just over £70,000 will be dedicated to families and people who, although not in the free school meal target group, will likely require financial support. These groups include families with disabled children, young parents, care leavers, and referrals made through health visitors.
£30,000 of that allocation will be handed to the Jewish Community Council of Gateshead to support jewish children who are not in need of free school meals. A total of £425,000 is being allocated to pensioners who will likely need the help of a £50 single grant payment.
In addition, the council will set aside a sum of cash to help older residents who are “just coping” and may not necessarily be on social service radars.
The council will also allocate £50,000 to the creation of warm spaces where people can keep warm and access hot drinks. £25,000 will help procure people in need of energy efficient LED light bulbs, warm clothing and bedding.
The remaining money will be distributed between various agencies, including Age UK and the council’s private landlord team, to help people who may fall between the cracks of those initially targeted by the funding.
Deputy leader of the council and vice chair for the cabinet, Catherine Donovan, said: “I am happy to receive this and to distribute it, but it is not going to be an easy process. And I think the fact we are having to mention, in 2022 that there are people and children who are at risk of going cold or hungry is something we all should be concerned about.”
Councillor and portfolio holder for the environment and transport, John McElroy said: “I welcome this for what it is. It seems like a lot of money but compared to the task it’s probably not.
“My concern as well is, we are talking about a period which is a benign part of the year and we have got to recognise a hard long winter coming ahead of us. It’s never too early to prepare for that, particularly when we see things like impending fuel rises planned for October.
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