The Council is to spend an additional £6m to support some of the most vulnerable residents and families across Manchester.
Since the onset of the cost-of-living crisis a huge amount of resource has been dedicated to mitigating some of its worst impacts.
Through this latest round of the Government-funded Household Support Fund (HSF) - £6.453m in total - the Council will continue to provide aid for those most at risk.
Support offered as part of this round will include:
- £3m for the continuation of free school meals (FSM) for families, covering an estimated 44,000 children via a £15 weekly payment during the summer half term and a £55 payment during the summer holiday.
- Nearly £100,000 for the Holiday Activity Fund which provides free activities and days out for children during the summer half term.
- Direct financial support for at-risk groups including households in receipt of Council Tax Support and care leavers.
- Additional funding will also be directed to third party agencies which offer support and advice on a range of issues, as well as the Council’s Food Response delivered in partnership with over 40 food organisations.
On top of this support the Council has continued to operate its Cost-of-Living advice line, a dedicated phone and online service for people who are struggling with a range of issues – from paying energy bills, to debt, to food poverty. In addition to the HSF funding, the Council itself directly invests an additional £3.5m to cover the services offered via the advice line.
Our Cost-of-Living advice line is free and available to Manchester residents Mon-Fri 9.00-16.30 by calling 0800 023 2692 or texting 07860 022876. The website can be found by visiting manchester.gov.uk/coladvice
Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: “The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has been an incredibly difficult experience for thousands of people living in Manchester.
“It has deepened already existing inequalities which is why as an organisation we are committed to doing everything in our power to prevent people from slipping into poverty, and alleviating its worst effects for people living on its edge.
“Through the HSF we are providing immediate and tangible support for people at risk. I would urge anyone who is struggling to contact the Council as soon as they can as the sooner we can intervene, the sooner we can bring people back from the brink."
Call our Cost-of-Living support line now on 0800 023 2692.