Wednesday, 8 January 2014

Government Scraps Fund For Crisis Loans

A fund aimed at providing support to people in crisis has been scrapped by the government prompting fears it could force vulnerable people to turn to payday lenders and loan sharks. The local welfare provision grant, which is mostly used to aid people who have short-term financial difficulties, such as benefit delays, will not be administered to local authorities in the 2015/16 year, according to the latest local government finance settlement.  The removal of the £172 million fund, which was also used to pay for foodbanks and housing-related support, means that councils have to administer the provision through their general funds. The development prompted concerns that people with money difficulties would fall through the net, with a ‘terrible’ impact for families. Read more on Inside Housing.

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