As set out at Autumn Statement 2022, the Government is providing an additional £1 billion of funding to enable the extension of the Household Support Fund, bringing the total funding to £2.5 billion. This extension allows local authorities in England to continue to provide discretionary support to those most in need including £4,407,784 for Cheshire East Council.

I understand that no further decisions have been taken on the Household Support Fund, and the Government continues to keep all its existing programmes under review. However, I am proud that more than 26 million awards have been made since the launch of the Fund. Indeed, I welcome that almost £800 million was paid to households with children between October 2021 and March 2023.

Additionally, in recognition that the chances of a child growing up in poverty are substantially reduced where both parents work, I welcome the Government's action to boost employment.

The Autumn Statement set out a significant, wide-ranging package of measures that represent an investment of £2.5 billion over five years to boost workforce participation and tackle economic inactivity. These measures will help to break down the barriers stopping people from moving into work and progressing in it.

Alongside this, the Government will also strengthen the application and enforcement of the Universal Credit sanctions regime, ensuring that the welfare system encourages and supports people into work.

Fiona Bruce MP – 23rd February 2024