Sir Mike Penning welcomes extra £170m to help the most vulnerable over winter

Hemel Hempstead MP, Sir Mike Penning has welcomed the Government’s new winter package to provide further support for children and families with councils given new funding to ensure vulnerable households do not go hungry or without essential items.

Hertfordshire County Council has been allocated just under £2.5 million to help families most affected by the global pandemic, offering them extra support this winter with food and bills.

This Covid Winter Grant Scheme comes on top of £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 Mike said: ‘I welcome the Covid Winter Grant which will extend the existing support and provide an important extra level of help for those who may be facing extra financial challenges as a result of the global pandemic.

‘The Government has delivered a range of support packages, for businesses and self-employed people to help to protect jobs and livelihoods and it is right that the Government remains ready to change the way this support is delivered for the more vulnerable in society as we continue to deal with the challenges of Covid-19.’