HAPPY & HEALTHY
As household incomes are squeezed and prices rise across the UK, some families are facing a difficult winter. However, help is at hand, as the council moves to increase support and reinforce the safety net for struggling households this winter.
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YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021
Kids tuck in over Christmas The holiday activities and food programme returns over the Christmas school holidays (18 December to 3 January) for eligible school-aged children in Brent who receive benefits-related free school meals. Find out more at www.brent.gov.uk/haf Councillor Thomas Stephens, Cabinet Member for Schools, Employment & Skills, said: “The summer programme was very successful, with over 3,000 places offered across 47 sites in Brent. So I’m pleased that we’ve been able to bring the programme back this Christmas to provide families in Brent further support in what can be an expensive time to entertain and feed children.”
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The summer programme was very successful, with over 3,000 places offered across 47 sites in Brent
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ouseholds across Brent can now get their share of a new £2.7million Household Support Fund. Residents, aged 18 and over, can apply for cash to pay for essential items, such as food and utility bills as the council moves to support people in need and ease the financial pressure on low income families. “The pandemic is still affecting many of us financially,” says Councillor Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of Brent Council “Over the next few months we hope that this fund will support residents and families that are most at financial risk.” You can apply more than once for different types of support up until March 2022 when the scheme ends. Apply at www.brent.gov.uk/ ResidentsSupportFund. Councillor Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform said: “This can be a difficult time of year. In addition, households across Brent are feeling the impact of the end of furlough and changes to Universal Credit, along with rising living costs. We’re committed to supporting our residents financially and this short-term fund is a vital part of that.
Councillor Thomas Stephens, Cabinet Member for Schools, Employment & Skills
