A new fund has been approved by the county’s political leaders to help people tackle the cost of living crisis.
The county council has given the go-ahead for the new Cost of Living Reserve Fund, which will support four initiatives.
School clothing grants will be increased from £25 to £50 for primary school children and from £35 to £100 for those in secondary schools this year. Those eligible for free school meals are automatically eligible for the grant. To find out more, click here.
Free school meal provision will also be extended over the summer holidays for eligible youngsters.
The authority will also earmark £500,000 to boost its Ways to Welfare budget, used to issue grants and other support to people in need.
If you are in need of urgent financial support, call the county council’s helpline on 0800 783 1966 (Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm).
A further £500,0000 will be used for Direct Community Support – to further support people in urgent need.
This will partly be achieved by bulk purchasing food to fill a shortfall in food bank donations, as the cost of living crisis hits more people who would have been able previously to buy extras during their weekly shop to support food banks.
Funds will also be allocated to Citizens Advice to enable them to directly allocate emergency funding to individuals in crisis.
Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is having a real impact on so many families and we are committed to helping those who are really struggling right now. That’s why we’ve allocated as much money as we can, to be available immediately, to support those who need it most, despite cuts to our budget.
“If you’re struggling to pay your bills, buy food or are in urgent financial need – I urge you to take advantage of the additional funding we’re providing as part of the Cost-of-Living Reserve fund.”
For more information about the support available, visit the website here.
