Rochdale families get extended support with food and utility bills

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Families have been benefiting from the scheme in a number of ways, with support designed by local councils to make sure the needs of the community are met

Families in Rochdale will receive extra support with food and key utility bills with the final extension of the government’s Covid Local Support Grant announced on Tuesday (22 June).

The government’s Covid Local Support Grant, first introduced in December 2020, has been extended through to September bringing it in line with the end date for furlough and other Covid-related support. This is beyond the planned ending of restrictions, to help families get back on their feet as the economy recovers and the vaccine rollout continues.

Across the country, families have been benefiting from the scheme in a number of ways, with support designed by local councils to make sure the needs of the community are met. Since beginning of the scheme, support has included food vouchers and help with heating costs over the winter months.

With a new round of funding, councils will be able to continue this support and adapt their offer to suit the needs of families. 

Rochdale will receive £881,803 from this funding, in addition to the £1,483,083 previously received bringing the total to £2,364,886. The funding is ring-fenced so that 80% is used to support families with bills for food, key utilities and other essentials.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: "Whilst the funding is very welcome, we have been faced with huge increases in demand during the pandemic with so many families really struggling to manage, and more children accessing free school meals.

“The demand is still there and we expect it will still be there through to the winter and beyond. Whilst this short term grant extension to the end of September is good news, we need a commitment for longer term funding so we can offer more sustainable essential support to those households in greatest need."

With the Winter Covid grant, Rochdale Borough Council has been supporting local families in greatest need during the school holidays since October last year, providing Aldi supermarket vouchers to over 12,400 families. The grant has also helped the council support over 3,000 people struggling with their food, fuel and essential supplies with a wide offer including fuel debt relief, boiler replacements and food, warmth and clean kitchen packs.

The household hardship fund which, alongside ‘hand up’ support, provides superstore vouchers, fuel vouchers and white goods has benefitted 684 people to date, and it will continue to be offered throughout 2021.

Rochdale Borough Council has also provided over £80,000 towards the establishment of the community warehouse, setting up a central distribution hub that can receive bulk donations and supplies for redistribution to voluntary and community groups allowing smaller food providers to take advantage of surplus donation schemes.

The council has also contributed towards a network of food pantries and food clubs in order to provide a more sustainable, long term solution for residents and families who are struggling, a step up towards self-management, and continues to support foodbanks in offering immediate food aid.

Those who are in need of support should contact the council to find out how they can access it and what support will be available over the coming months.

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/coronavirus