New scheme to help Londoners receive support

The Mayor of London has launched a new scheme to help low-income families across the capital access millions in financial support that they are entitled to.

The £2.2 million Family Financial Resilience Partnership will provide free, independent advice to thousands of families with children on a wide range of issues, including benefits, housing, childcare, immigration, disability, and employment. 

The funding will enable services to train more staff and increase capacity at Best Start Family Hubs and Children’s Centres.

It is expected that this will help more than 17,500 families in its first year, enabling them to access around £8 million in financial support which would otherwise go unclaimed.

Data shows that 35 per cent of children in London are living in poverty after housing costs.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m determined to help London’s families cope with the cost-of-living and put more money back into household budgets. That’s why I’m investing £2.2 million in the Family Financial Resilience Partnership to ensure parents and carers across the capital can access the support that they’re entitled to and make a significant difference to their finances. From providing free school meals to children in London’s state primary schools to helping young people with activities during school holidays and protecting free and discounted travel for children and young people, I’m committed to doing all I can to support London’s families as we build a better, fairer London for all.”

Minister for Employment, Diana Johnson MP, said: “Every child deserves the best start in life, and that begins with families having the support they need to build financial security. By bringing good quality advice directly into Family Hubs, we're meeting parents where they are and helping them tackle debt, boost their income, and access support that makes a genuine difference to their lives. Alongside our Child Poverty Strategy which will lift 550,000 children out of poverty, this kind of joined-up approach that will help us break the cycle where a child's background determines their future."