By Gavin Mackintosh-
Low income households areto benefit from £65 million support package, the Uk government has announced.
The funding from the Department Of Levelling comes on top of £500 million helping vulnerable families with essentials over winter.
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It will be given to councils in England to support low-income earners in rent arrears – helping to prevent homelessness and support families get back on their feet.
The move is a brilloiant show of support by the government which has expressed a commitment to address homelessness in the Uk, and support those struggling with rent.
Renters across the country have been protected throughout the pandemic due to government action, including a ban on evictions and a £400 billion support package for the economy.
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The extra funding comes on top of the £500 million Household Support Fund, announced by the government in September, which has been helping vulnerable households across the country with the cost of food, energy, water and other essentials.
Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing Eddie Hughes MP said:
”We have taken action throughout the pandemic to support the most vulnerable families, and it is vital we continue to provide support as we enter the winter months.
This new funding will support families that are struggling and help to get them back on their feet as we begin to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The £65 million will be available through the winter months.
Households at risk of eviction or homelessness should contact their local council if they require support. The fund recognises the impact the pandemic has had on households in the private rented sector with the lowest income.
The Uk government has already provided £310 million to councils this year through the Homelessness Prevention Grant and this funding will increase that grant by a further £65 million this year. £140 million is also available through Discretionary Housing Payments, which can also be used to prevent evictions and help people find a new home.
The £500 million Household Support Fund provides £421 million to help vulnerable people in England, with the devolved administrations receiving almost £80 million. The funding is primarily being used to support households with the cost of essentials, although councils have flexibility to best address local needs. At least 50% of the funding is reserved for households with children.
It is for councils to determine the best way to support each household on a case-by-case basis. Any payment is likely to be paid directly to the existing landlord, or a new landlord if the money is being used to support a household to find a new home.
The government is grateful to landlords for their support and the funding will mean more of them will be able to reach agreements with existing tenants.
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