Sir David Amess is delighted that Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has been given £573,690 to support families that have been hardest hit by the pandemic and need extra support this winter. This new £170 million support package unveiled by the Government will help families afford essential food and bills.

The Covid Winter Grant Scheme will see councils across England share £170 million in additional, ring-fenced funding to help vulnerable families and individuals, with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council receiving £573,690.

This will prevent children from going hungry this winter and ensure local families get the help they need. It builds on the £63 million already provided to councils this year to assist those struggling to buy food and essentials.

A further £220 million will be invested in extending the Holiday and Food Programme until next Christmas, meaning that all children eligible for Free School Meals will have the option to join a holiday-time programme that provides healthy food and fun activities during the summer, Christmas and Easter holidays next year.

Sir David said “I am very pleased that Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has been granted extra funding. This support package will ensure that local families who are suffering financially or are particularly vulnerable will be able to afford food and bills during the winter”.