THE Government has today launched a new £500 million Household Support Fund to help millions of families with the cost of living this winter.

As the furlough scheme ends, other forms of financial support are being bolstered, including this new grant scheme which will help to meet daily needs such as food, clothing, and utilities.

Harlow’s MP, Robert Halfon, has strongly welcomed the announcement. He has consistently campaigned in Parliament and lobbied the Government to cut the cost of living with lower taxes for lower earners and more financial support. 

Commenting on the new fund, he said: “I lobby the Government in Parliament all the time to introduce more measures to cut the cost of living such as the 11-year fuel duty freeze, the Energy Price Cap, the winter weather grant schemes and lower taxes for lower earners. This new fund will provide more targeted support to Harlow families through the winter and residents will be able to contact the Council to access the grants.

“The Government spent well over £250 million to protect jobs and businesses in Harlow throughout the pandemic and is now investing in creating new jobs and apprenticeships. However, many residents are facing a very difficult financial situation and I will continue to do all I can to ensure that we cut the cost of living.”

This fund bolsters support from the Warm Home Discount which provides a £140 rebate on energy bills each winter to over 2.2 million low-income households and the Cold Weather Payment which provides £25 extra a week for poorer households.

Earlier this year the Government expanded the £221m Holiday Activities and Food programme, which has offered nutritious meals and enriching activities to disadvantaged children across the Easter and Summer holidays, and will do so again this Christmas.