A funding pot totalling over £9.3m has been announced to support Surrey households with cost of living pressures. Surrey County Council has allocated the seventh round of the Household Support Fund (HSF), which will make £9,324,930.29 available to residents facing financial hardship. The fund, to cover until 31 March 2026 has been divided between several categories to offer assistance with food, fuel, water, and other essential needs. This latest round represents a 12% reduction from previous allocations which the council says is designed to optimise spending. Mark Nuti, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and public health, said: "This latest round of Household Support Funding is a vital resource to help those most in need access essentials like food, energy, and emergency support. "Despite a reduction in funding, we are committed to ensuring that every pound is used effectively to support our residents." Nearly half of the fund, £4.1m, has been allocated to food vouchers during school holidays while a further £1.7m is earmarked to support food banks and organisations providing similar services. A total of £750,000 has been awarded to the Surrey Crisis Fund for emergency financial aid, with a further £548,000 allocated to poverty prevention initiatives. While the fund will be distributed through a network of local organisations, the council is also developing a new scheme which will make additional HSF funds available to residents. This scheme will launched later this year, with applications to open in due course. Follow BBC Surrey onFacebook, onX. Send your story ideas tosoutheasttoday@bbc.co.ukor WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
Over £9.3m announced to support Surrey households
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"Surrey County Council Allocates Over £9.3 Million to Assist Households Facing Financial Hardship"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Surrey County Council has announced a funding initiative totaling over £9.3 million aimed at assisting households in the region facing financial difficulties due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. This funding is part of the seventh round of the Household Support Fund (HSF), which will distribute £9,324,930.29 to residents in need until March 31, 2026. The allocated funds will be utilized to address essential needs, including food, fuel, and water. Notably, this latest allocation reflects a 12% decrease compared to previous rounds, a decision made by the council to enhance the efficiency of spending while still ensuring that the support reaches those who require it the most. Mark Nuti, the cabinet member responsible for health, wellbeing, and public health, emphasized the importance of this funding, stating that it serves as a critical resource for helping vulnerable residents access necessary essentials such as food and energy, despite the reduced budget.
The distribution of the fund will be managed through various local organizations, with specific allocations targeting key areas of need. Nearly half of the total funding, approximately £4.1 million, is designated for food vouchers to be used during school holidays, which is designed to alleviate the burden on families during these critical times. Additionally, £1.7 million is set aside to support food banks and similar organizations that provide vital services to the community. The Surrey Crisis Fund has been awarded £750,000 for emergency financial assistance, while £548,000 is allocated for initiatives aimed at preventing poverty. Furthermore, the council is in the process of developing a new scheme to provide additional HSF resources to residents, which is expected to launch later this year, with applications to open in the near future. This comprehensive approach reflects the council's commitment to ensuring that every available pound is utilized effectively to support Surrey's most vulnerable residents.
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