Vital support for low-income families must be extended, Richmond says

Richmond council has joined voluntary sector organisations and other local authorities in calling on the government to continue the “vital” Household Support Fund which is due to expire on 30th September, 2024.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Gareth Roberts who signed the joint letter said:

“The Household Support Fund enables us to provide vital support to families across Richmond upon Thames who are most affected by the higher cost of living. Combined with the £4.5 million of our own reserves that we have allocated to support our residents, this funding has gone a long way in helping some of the most vulnerable households in the borough. As we approach the winter months, I very much hope the government will listen to this call to secure the future of local support to those who need it most.”

The letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions asks the government to commit funding to ensure that councils can continue to provide the vital crisis support through local schemes. It also calls on the government to work with the voluntary sector and councils to establish a plan for long-term, sustainable funding for local welfare assistance.

Support with the cost of living is available in Richmond upon Thames. Residents can visit the Cost of Living Hub for the latest information on what is available nationally and locally as well as details of the borough’s network of Community Spaces and free support calculator. Residents can also sign up to receive cost of living support updates straight to their inbox.