Council announces an extra £1million to support families struggling with the cost of living

An extra £1m to help tackle the cost-of-living crisis was announced today by Westminster City Council, with help for local communities at its centre.

The extra support is on the back of £19m package to help the estimated 31,000 households in the city facing hardship.

Today’s investment is expected to help to fund:

• Food support to local charities
• Financial advice and help for citizens struggling to make ends meet
• A full-time council officer who will provide direct support to local organisations

Council leader Cllr Adam Hug made the announcement as he talked to residents at the St Vincent’s Family Project.

He said: "We are still in a cost-of-living crisis, and we need to do everything we can to support our residents who are struggling with higher household costs. More than 31,000 households in Westminster are exposed, and we have seen more foodbank referrals now than at the peak of the pandemic. That's why we have so far delivered over £19m in help through our Cost-of-Living programme, and this new addition will take us to over £20m."

St Vincent’s Family Project is offering a lifeline to families in Westminster who are struggling with the high cost of food, nappies and important household items which mean they are not able to spend money on enriching activities like creches, baby play classes and even Citizens Advice Bureau drop-in sessions. The centre runs activities every weekday for parents and their young children and has been supporting families since the 1970s.

Andrew Varley, the CEO of St Vincent’s Family Project, said:

We are very pleased to welcome Cllr Hug to our centre and to hear about the council's commitment to helping residents with the cost-of-living pressures. We have been providing support for families and children in Westminster for over 20 years, and we have seen the impact of the pandemic and the rising costs on their wellbeing and resilience. Our centre offers a range of services, such as parenting courses, play sessions, therapy, food parcels and vouchers, and a community kitchen. The Healthy Winter Grant from Westminster City Council has enabled us to expand our food provision and to reach more families in need. We are looking forward to applying for the new fund and to continue working with the council to make a difference in our community."

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In addition to the announcement of the additional £1m funding, Westminster City Council is concerned that the Household Support Fund – the money given by central Government to support the most hard-up residents – is due to end in March, which could put local communities under greater pressure, and calls on Government to extend this vital scheme. Decisions on the allocation of the new funding will be taken once there is clarity over the Government’s plans for the Household support fund.

A Westminster resident who receives help sourced from the Household Support Fund said:

Support from North Paddington Foodbank has been a constant lifeline, having a safe space for my children, getting to choose what my children get to eat, is a feeling that I can’t fully express. And it's not just about food, things like shampoo, toothpaste, washing powder, basics that I often have gone without, or worried about when they are going to run out. I am now in a position where I can think about a future for me and my family, something that I did not think would be possible."

Cllr Hug said he had written to the Chancellor ahead of the March 6 Budget to make a number of specific requests.

The Westminster leader said: "There is uncertainty around the future of the Household Support Fund and Cost of Living fund. This makes it harder for us to plan and get the best value for every penny and is worrying for local communities who will face greater costs if this support goes. The cost-of-living crisis is continuing and while we continue to support local people, we urge Government to confirm this support will continue.”

Additional help for residents regarding the cost-of-living crisis can be found on the council’s website.