Battle to save family crisis cash

Date published: 11 November 2014


THE North-West could lose more than £26 million of funding for families in the next round of government cuts.

Ministers could withdraw all support from local welfare assistance schemes - the last line of defence for 210,000 vulnerable households in the region.

In 2013/14, Oldham Council handed out £294,028 to help 2,379 families. Between April and October this year, £176,402 has been handed out, helping 272 homes.

The schemes help families get back on their feet and prevent temporary financial crises from spiralling into serious debt and destitution.

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, cabinet member for finance and human relations, said: “No decision will be made on our local welfare scheme for 2015/16 until the outcome of the national consultation is published.”

A decision is expected at the end of the month