LGA calls to keep £347 million emergency welfare fund

The LWA fund currently allows local authorities to give emergency assistance to people dealing with crisis situations such as homelessness or domestic abuse. Food vouchers and household essentials are among the services it pays for.

LGA Chairman Sir Merrick Cockell said: “This fund has been used by councils to provide crucial support to people facing personal crises in their lives, from help paying the rent to putting food on the table.

“By helping people at an early stage and targeting support at where it is needed most, we have been able to give essential support in people’s time of need and prevent short-term problems escalating.

“It is extremely disappointing that Government has removed the funding for this safety net without first honouring 
its promise to discuss with councils
what the consequence of
 such a
move
might be.”

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