Rethink urged on support fund axe

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents authorities in England and Wales, said the fund was used to help families faced with being made homeless and also paid for food vouchers.

The organisation said it was “extremely disappointing” that the latest funding settlement for councils revealed that the fund would not be renewed in 2015.

Some families in Surrey forced out of their homes during this year’s floods were assisted with food, clothing, new bedding and utilities using the fund, the LGA said.

Its 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. Early indications suggest that this scheme is working well, and has been far more effective at getting support to those most in need than the Government crisis loans scheme which it replaced.

“Local authorities are working hard to support the most vulnerable in society while managing the biggest cuts in living memory to funding for services. For some councils, providing crisis payments to those in need from local service budgets is likely to be a stretch too far.

“We urge Government to work with the LGA and councils to review the fund with an open mind about its future.”