THURROCK Council has been given just over half a million pounds to support those most in need with the cost of food and essential utility bills.

Following a U-turn by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the wake of a public campaign led by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford that received an outpouring of support from the nation after championing disadvantaged children amid the coronavirus pandemic. The government has committed to making more funds available to local authorities.

Thurrock has now been told it will get just over £523,000 from the Winter Grant Scheme, prompting Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Education, to say: "I am delighted with this announcement from the government and thank them for the additional funds to ensure vulnerable families in Thurrock will be provided for this winter, and on into next year during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are now able to ensure that those most in need will receive support, including children entitled to free school meals, and plans are currently being developed on how this grant will be implemented in Thurrock."

The council says it will be supporting families with children and other vulnerable individuals from December through to the end of March 2021.

Thurrock's Labour leader, Cllr John Kent, had earlier commented on the government's U-turn, saying: "I welcome news that the government has listened to Labour and other campaigners and offered more support to families struggling to make ends meet.

"But it's better late than never as far as struggling Thurrock families are concerned, this should have been announced weeks ago to help the children at risk of going hungry over half term.

"Unlike Thurrock Council, local people and businesses – many facing their own challenges - stepped in to help out."

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He added: "Now I'm asking the Tory-run Council to do the right thing by guaranteeing that every penny of this funding will be earmarked for struggling families. And if Government funds are not enough to meet growing need, the council will make up any shortfall.

"Demand is rapidly increasing and we must do all we can to ensure we support every struggling family".