The Conservative Government is supporting vulnerable families across Milton Keynes with extra funding in excess of £1.7 million as part of the new Household Support Fund.
This is part of a huge effort by the Government and local MPs Ben Everitt and Iain Stewart to ensure those most in need get the direct, targeted support they need with essentials such as clothing, utilities, and food.
The funding will be distributed by Milton Keynes Council as the Government wants to ensure authorities that know their local area best can use the funds to support families most effectively.
Local families will also be benefit from the energy price cap, recent rise in Local Housing Allowance and increases in the National Living Wage. It also bolsters support from the Warm Home Discount which provides a £140 rebate on energy bills each winter to low-income households and the Cold Weather Payment which provides £25 extra a week for poorer households when the temperature is consistently below zero.
The £220 million Holiday Activities and Food programme continues to offer nutritious meals and enriching activities to disadvantaged children across the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays, while, free childcare for eligible working parents, worth up to £5,000 per child every year has been doubled.
Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, said: “I’m pleased the Government is providing a vital lifeline to so many families here in Milton Keynes with a continued comprehensive package of support.
“This is a compassionate Conservative Government that supports those most in need, and focuses on getting more people in work, investing in jobs and skills, increasing wages and building back better.”
Alex Walker, leader of the Conservative Group on MK Council, added: “Over the last year, this Conservative Government has delivered support to millions of people to help them provide for their families and pay their bills.
“The new Household Support Fund, in addition to the Warm Home Discount and the Holiday Activities and Food Programme reaffirms our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in society.”