Welfare
Distribution of funding is the trickiest area for councils
It is time for the whole sector to come together with a strong voice to say enough is enough, writes Adele Taylor.
Tackling poverty in the North of Tyne: A combined approach
Patience has been key to a North of Tyne Combined Authority programme addressing child poverty, including both the underlying issues and the ‘here and now’ symptoms, says Adrian Dougherty.
Budget: Household Support Fund extended
A scheme aimed at supporting the most vulnerable households will be extended for another six months, chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced in the Budget.
Chancellor needs to show compassion to most vulnerable
Tomorrow’s Budget provides an opportunity for the chancellor to protect those most in need of financial support by renewing the Household Support Fund, says Cllr Elizabeth Campbell.
Government 'recognises' increased temporary accommodation demand
The Government has said it recognises the challenges local authorities face in responding to the increased demand for temporary housing.
The impact of ending the Household Support Fund would be disastrous
The Household Support Fund is a crucial way for councils to help residents with the costs of living and should be top priority in the upcoming Budget, says Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton.
Don’t cut the HSF lifeline to families in distress
A failure to extend the Household Support Fund beyond March will be catastrophic for many people in the poorest communities, says chair of Core Cities Cllr Bev Craig.
Axing fund would be 'disastrous,' Hunt warned
The impact of ending the Household Support Fund would be ‘disastrous,’ urban councils have warned.
Call for Hunt to lift benefit subsidy cap
Councils have called for the cap on housing benefit subsidy that councils receive to be unfrozen amid warnings about the ‘spiralling increase’ in temporary accommodation (TA).
Core Cities in Household Support Fund warning
Failing to extend the Household Support Fund will be ‘catastrophic for many people in our poorest communities,’ Core Cities has warned Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Housing pressures threaten 'end of local government'
A call has been made for Government action on temporary housing costs that threaten to swallow up district council budgets.
Welcome homes
John Glenton considers how councils should spend on homelessness prevention grants to support families affordably.
It's time to sufficiently acknowledge and fund councils' safety net role
Councils have had to rise to the challenge of a national social security system which is fragmented - and the uncertainty over the future of the Household Support Fund is symptomatic of a deeper issue, says Jon Rowney.
DWP fails to commit to continuing Household Support Fund
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has failed to commit to making the Household Support Fund (HSF) available to councils in 2024-25.
Seven in 10 councils struggling amid cost of living crisis
Seven in 10 councils are struggling to support people hit by the cost of living crisis, according to new research published today.
Modernisation and disruption are required to help those who need it most
An outdated welfare system is costing millions and leaving those most in need without the help they require, says Matthew Adam.
Fresh calls to raise local housing allowance as councils battle homelessness
Fresh calls have been made for ministers to increase local housing allowance (LHA) after research revealed 85% of English councils are facing an increase in homelessness.
Rent arrears surge
Four in five council landlords have reported growing rent arrears over the past year, according to the findings of a new survey.
Councils left in lurch over housing benefit assurance
Scores of councils have been left in the lurch after failing to find an auditor to carry out their housing benefit assurance process.
Call for Government to share more data with councils
Councils are struggling to reach households hit by the cost of living crisis due to the Government’s failure to share its data with local authorities.