Some £1.47 million of the Government’s Housing Support Fund is set to go to Harrow residents this summer.On 30 September 2021, the government announced that vulnerable households across the country will be able to access a new £500 million support fund to help them with essentials over the winter.
The grant has been extended to 30 September 2022 with an additional £500 million of funding which will be used by local authorities to support vulnerable households.
Harrow Council has confirmed how it will distribute the £1.47million summer tranche of the fund in the borough, focusing on vulnerable households with children and pensioners on Council Tax Support and Pension Credit.
The allocated grant must be dispensed by 30 September 2022 and Harrow is keen to distribute the money as quickly as possible as the cost of living concerns increase.
Cllr Stephen Greek (photo), Cabinet Member for Performance, Communications & Customer Experience, said: “We’ve considered how best we can put our residents first, and help those most in need during these challenging times. We are providing support to as many people as possible, whilst ensuring that the help is not spread too thinly. It is vital that we get this money out to where it is most needed.”
Part of the fund dispersed will be in the form of the Post Office vouchers, which can be used against energy/utility bills or for food.
Around £85,000 will be used to support households in rent arrears to help stop problems spiralling into acute difficulties, avoid court action and secure their tenancy.
Also, £135,000 for the Harrow Community Hub, ensuring it continues to provide food support until at least March 2023. The Harrow Community Hub is well-supported by the Harrow council – wonder why!!
Throughout the Covid-19, Harrow had its share of the government special grants but has been very difficult to find how exactly the money has been used – for example, who gets it, why and how much.
Harrow Monitoring Group 