Council Leader Praises Government Initiative to Alleviate Cost of Living Pressures

Conservative Group Leader on Sefton Council, Mike Prendergast, has welcomed the launch of the Conservative Government’s Household Support Fund Awareness Week, which is encouraging vulnerable families across Sefton to check with Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council what support is available to local people.

Since the Household Support Fund launched in October 2021, more than £2 billion has been invested to ease the cost of living pressures, including £4,870,222 for Sefton as part of the fourth round of funding between April 2023 and March 2024. This brings the total funding available to Sefton residents through the fund in Sefton to £12,175,556.

Councils in England can use the Conservative Government’s Household Support Fund to help those most in need by drawing from local knowledge and directly reaching people in the community. Support is available to help with covering the costs of essentials like groceries, toiletries, warm clothes, and energy bills.

These figures come as part of the Conservative Government’s Household Support Fund Awareness Week, which is encouraging vulnerable people across England to contact their councils to find out what support is available in their area.

The Conservative Government is continuing to support vulnerable households with cost of living pressures as it takes the long-term decisions needed to get the country on the right path for the future, whilst delivering on its promises to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats. 

Commenting, Councillor Mike Prendergast said:

“I know families across Sefton are still feeling cost of living pressures due to high inflation caused by Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.

That is why I welcome the support the Conservative Government is providing, including the money made available through the Household Support Fund which has already made a massive difference to people locally, and I encourage anyone who is worried about their own finances to contact Sefton Council to find out what support they may be eligible to receive.

Many people in Sefton might assume this support comes from the local council but it actually comes from central government and it is down to Sefton Council to distribute the funds to those who need it most in an efficient manner.

The Conservative Government is taking the long-term decisions to halve inflation for a brighter economic future, and will continue to provide support to those who need it in the meantime.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said:

“The best way we can protect family finances is by driving down inflation, but as it reduces, we recognise that cost of living pressures remain for some of the most vulnerable households.

Our record £842 million cash injection to the Household Support Fund in England this year means that people most in need will be able to get extra support locally to cover the essentials.

And alongside this unprecedented cost of living support, we’re taking the long-term decisions to reform the welfare system to help thousands more people benefit from the income boost provided by employment.”