A LEADING Thurrock councillor has highlighted how government support for vulnerable households is being managed in the borough.

Cabinet member for finance, and the Conservative -run authority's deputy leader, Cllr Shane Hebb, says £1.295 million of government cash is being put to vital use via the council's Household Support Fund.

He says: "The funding will be used to provide essential support to households most in need including £600,000 allocated to provide free school meals in the May half-term and six-week school summer holiday and £427,346 allocated to help low-income pensioners. On top of that additional help will be provided for care leavers.

"So far, nearly a quarter of a million pounds has been allocated to support households in financial hardship, including help with utility bills, through the Essential Living Fund

"Thanks to the first round of funding we have provided free school meals during the last three school holidays and we will be able to do so again for the next two.

"On top of this help will be provided to the lowest income pensioner households in the borough. We will write to those that qualify to let them know."

The new grant will run until 30 September 2022. The council says it will will identify and contact those eligible soon.

To find out more about the Essential Living Fund visit: thurrock.gov.uk/essential-living-fund/about-essential-living-fund