PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Welfare Assistance Schemes (24 May 2021)

Councils have powers to determine the right local welfare assistance schemes for their area

Resources made available through the 2020 Spending Review and annual Settlement allowed councils in England access to an overall increase in Core Spending Power from £49 billion in 2020-21 to up to £51.3 billion in 2021-22, a 4.6% increase in cash terms. This is in line with last year’s available increase. This recognises the resources councils need to meet their pressures and maintain current service levels

We have also introduced our Covid Winter Grant Scheme providing funding to local authorities in England to help the most vulnerable children and families stay warm and well fed during the coldest months. It is now running until June as the Covid Local Support Grant, with a total investment of £269 million.