THURROCK Council has launched its Household Support Fund after the government allocated more than £1.2million to support vulnerable households across the borough.

The funding will provide essential support to households most in need this winter helping with bills and food as the country continues its recovery from the pandemic.

It has already provided eligible children across the borough with free school meals during the October half term and will also fund free school meal vouchers during the Christmas holidays and spring half term. Additional support will be made available to Care Leavers over the period of the grant.

A further £400,000 has been allocated to support households in financial hardship, including help with utility bills. This support can be accessed through the Essential Living Fund. Residents can find out more and apply on the council's website via this link.

Cllr Shane Hebb, cabinet member for finance, said: "This fund has been launched to support vulnerable Thurrock households and we will make sure that all those eligible are empowered to make a claim under the relevant part of the scheme."

The new grant will run until 31 March 2022. At least 50 per cent of the total funding will support households with children, with the remaining funding for other households genuinely in need of support this winter.