Poverty charity cautiously welcomes extension Covid-19 grants

Poverty charity, Turn2us, is calling on the government and local authorities to come up with a ‘long term solution’ to help people who are struggling financially.

This comes after the Department for Work and Pensions announced the Covid Winter Grant Scheme has been extended until June 20 and renamed the Covid Local Support Grant Scheme, with an additional £40m of funding.

Turn2us said the extension of the Covid Grant Scheme will provide a much-needed lifeline for people struggling with the cost of food and utility bills, although there must be a long term replacement.

However, Thomas Lawson, chief executive of the charity, said local authorities need to improve their ongoing provision for anyone who is experiencing financial difficulties.

‘The government’s Covid Grant Scheme has been a much-needed resource for people facing financial crisis during the pandemic.

‘So we welcome the extension of this support into June and the additional £40m in funding.

‘We know that schemes like this give many families the breathing space they need until they can find their feet again. Four out of five people who receive cash grants from Turn2us say the money stopped a cash flow problem from evolving into a long term financial crisis.

‘In the longer term, we hope local authorities continue to offer people who have been hit by a financial shock support through well funded Local Welfare Assistance schemes.

‘Ahead of the additional central government funding coming to an end in June, we encourage all councils to learn from the support they have provided and improve their ongoing provision for anyone who experiences a financial shock in the future.

‘The right support at the right point in time can make a massive difference to someone’s financial resilience. We also encourage the DWP to analyse the impact of the Covid grant schemes, and explore how support for people facing life shocks can continue.’

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