We join calls for urgent extension of Household Support Fund

We've joined more than 120 organisations calling for an urgent extension to the Household Support Fund so families facing hardship, hunger, and unexpected costs are able to get the help they need.

Around 3.8 million households rely on this lifeline to pay for food, energy and other essential items, but funding for the scheme is due to come to an end on March 31.

Not extending it beyond this point will leave a major gap in support which neither local government, nor the voluntary sector will be able to fill.

Ahead of the Spring budget, The Children’s Society and Barnardo's are leading a coalition of organisations which have written to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt warning of the "devastating consequences" for families facing hardship if the fund is not extended.

Mark Russell, Chief Executive of The Children's Society, said: "The Household Support Fund has provided a vital safety net for so many families facing financial crisis and destitution.

"We have seen it provide a wide range of support such help when a family has a sudden job loss, bereavement or boiler breakdown. It can also as supplying food vouchers for children over the summer.

"We are really concerned that if the funding is not renewed past March these vouchers will disappear and holiday hunger will be a major issue.

"We are asking the public to write to their MP to call on the Government to take action and extend the fund so families in crisis aren’t left without support."