The Government recently announced a £170m Covid Winter Grant Scheme to support children, families, and the most vulnerable households to ensure they do not go hungry or without essential items over winter.

Solihull's Conservative led Council is set to get a share of that grant and is now working on the detail to ensure that this vital support reaches those most in need in our Borough.

Deputy Leader of Solihull Council, Cllr Karen Grinsell said: “We are currently working on the finer details of the support for children and families over the Christmas period and we are also designing a scheme for longer terms plans to include the Easter and Summer School Holidays. This money will allow us to directly help the hardest-hit families and individuals, as well as provide food for children who need it over the holidays."

We understand we will receive the funding at the beginning of December.

Local councils understand which groups need support, and are best placed to ensure appropriate holiday support is provided – which is why they will distribute the funds, rather than schools, who will continue providing meals for disadvantaged children during term-time.

The Holiday Activities and Food programme, which has provided healthy food and enriching activities to disadvantaged children since 2018, will also be expanded across England next year. This will cover Easter, Summer and Christmas in 2021, and cost up to £220m.

For more information or advice with help getting food because you are self-isolating or you need some financial advice, the Here2Help page has some useful information and contact details for you.

https://www.solihull.gov.uk/Resident/socialservicesandhealth/Coronaviru…

More details about this scheme will be announced by Solihull Council the week of 7th December 2021.