Laura Sharman 08 February 2021

Red Cross calls for £250m top up for local welfare assistance schemes

Red Cross calls for £250m top up for local welfare assistance schemes image

Local authorities should receive an extra £250m a year to help improve access to emergency cash, a charity has said today.

The British Red Cross has warned millions of people will be unable to recover from the impact of the pandemic on their finances and mental health without better support once lockdown is lifted.

Its new report found two groups have been hit hardest by the pandemic; ‘newly vulnerable’ people who have never needed help before, and those that were already struggling before the pandemic.

It is calling on the Government to give local authorities £250m a year to top up local welfare assistance schemes, and improve access to self-isolation support payments.

Norman McKinley, executive director of UK operations at the British Red Cross, said: 'Our report shows the inextricable link between financial insecurity and mental health, and that the point at which someone faces hardship is a crucial moment to catch them before they fall into a more desperate situation.

'When you feel like your life is spinning out of control, having agency over the small things – like the cereal you buy or the ingredients for your dinner - makes all the difference. We need flexible and easy to access cash support to give people back their dignity, while also giving them the breathing room to get back on their feet.'

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner