WIREDGOV

Cllr Richard Watts, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board, responded to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s report on poverty across the UK, which reveals that it has risen considerably during the pandemic

“This report shows the worrying impact that COVID-19 has had on some of the most vulnerable in our communities and has pushed more people on low incomes into poverty.

“Support for children on free school meals and the uplift in Universal Credit have helped to protect many families most at risk, and it is important that these continue. As many households are likely to be economically vulnerable for some time to come, it is vital that the Government restores local welfare funding so councils can provide support to families who need it.

“Councils want to help the circumstances of all their residents, regardless of their background or where they live. To help, they need long-term sustainable funding to do more planned preventative work to address underlying causes of hardship and disadvantage, and provide support to all households who need it.

“This includes full funding for family support services, the ability for councils to resume their historic role as major builders of affordable homes and to be able to make the best use of employment and skills provision.”  

JRF Report:  After a decade of deprivation, we need policies that prioritise recovery for families in poverty