Simon Fell, the MP for Barrow and Furness, has welcomed the news that the Government has announced the new Household Support Fund Allocations for Local Authorities across England.

Council’s in Cumbria will receive £7,380,469 in this latest round of funding to help families that need support with the cost of essentials in the face of rising costs.

This funding takes the total level of support provided to Cumbrian residents to £18,451,173, demonstrating the Conservative Government’s unwavering commitment to support the most vulnerable in times of financial hardship.

The Household Support Fund is a discretionary fund provided to local authorities enabling them to provide support to vulnerable families struggling to cover essential costs who may not be eligible for other Government support schemes.

The Government is also delivering further support on top of the £1 billion of funding for the Household Support Fund including means-tested £900 Cost of Living Payments, a £150 payment for disabled people, and £300 for pensioner households. The Conservative Government’s Energy Price Guarantee is also protecting people from rising energy costs this year until the end of March 2024, bringing a typical household bill to around £3,000 per year in Great Britain.

Commenting, Simon said:

“I know from my weekly surgery appointments, and going door to door across Furness, that many families in Barrow and Furness are struggling to make ends meet in the face of rising prices caused by global economic pressures including Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

“Local people will be well aware that I have long since campaigned for government to step in and increase it’s support for those who need it the most. That is why I am delighted that the Government have allocated a further £7.4million to our local Council through the Household Support Fund, doubling down on our commitment to help the most vulnerable families with rising costs.

“This fund is a lifeline for local residents, and this extension will ensure this vital support is available for families who are struggling for another year.” 

Commenting, Mims Davies, Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression said:

“The Household Support Fund has already helped many people across England through these challenging times and I am pleased it will continue to do so for another full year.

“This is just one part of our extensive and targeted £26 billion support package, which includes payments of £900 for millions of people on benefits and additional support for disabled people and pensioners, whilst every household will continue to save money thanks to our Energy Price Guarantee.”