Council leader calls for clarity over lifeline funding for needy residents

Council chiefs in South Tyneside are calling on ministers to recognise the importance of a "lifeline" scheme supporting needy residents.

- by Tom Patterson

South Tyneside Council is concerned over the impact the Government's Fair Funding Review will have on areas with high levels of deprivation-and specifically a need to recognise the "critical importance" of the Household Support Fund (HSF) in tackling poverty in the borough.

HSF cash has bee used to pay for a range of measures, supporting thousands of households in the borough - helping families and individuals struggling with the rising cost of living, fuel poverty, food insecurity and replacing essential household goods.

The funding stream supports a range of non-statutory services - delivered with partner organisations.