Latest news with #LutfurRahman
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Thousands to get universal school uniform grant
About 7,000 families in east London are set to benefit from a council's universal school uniform grant. The £150 will be available to children who are entering their first year of primary or secondary school, if their families have a household income of £50,350 or less. Lutfur Rahman, mayor of Tower Hamlets, said it would "go some way" to support children in the borough, while Mohi, a local parent, said school uniform costs were a "matter of worry" for himself and his family. It comes as the government's Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill looks to limit the number of branded uniform items a school can require, to ease the financial burden on parents. "I'm working in a solicitor's, but you know, day by day our costs and expenses are really high," Mohi said. "As a parent, we always think ahead. So [uniforms] is something that is a matter of worry for me and my family." The head of London Enterprise Academy said its school uniform costs were more than £200, but that they supplied some items to students free of charge. "I realise it's a very expensive time in August for parents, so as a school, since we opened, we subsidised the uniform," its principal Ashid Ali said. "All of our students will get a free PE kit when they join our school, and when they move to Year 10, we have always provided free blazers, as the children are growing up." Suraia, a student at the school, said when pupils felt "inferior" to their peers because of their clothing, it affected "literally everything", including their education. Tower Hamlets Council announced the school universal uniform grant earlier this year. Mr Rahman said: "It will go some way in supporting our youngsters at primary school and when they go into secondary school. "Giving them some financial help, some 7,000 children in a year will be supported." The City of London offers grants to families that earn under £7,400 or are on benefits, while Westminster City Council provides a grant to families eligible for free school meals. Wandsworth Council offered a voucher scheme. To try to reduce costs for everyone, the government is proposing a limit of three branded uniform items at primary school and four at secondary. "This means, for the first time, no school in England will be able to require unnecessarily large numbers of branded items, so no parent will be unfairly disadvantaged," a spokesperson for the Department for Education said. Watch the full Politics London programme on BBC iPlayer. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Branded school uniforms to change for four million pupils under plans 'Parents forgo holidays over school uniform costs' Tower Hamlets Council
BBC News
26-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Universal school uniform grant to help thousands in Tower Hamlets
About 7,000 families in east London are set to benefit from a council's universal school uniform £150 will be available to children who are entering their first year of primary or secondary school, if their families have a household income of £50,350 or Rahman, mayor of Tower Hamlets, said it would "go some way" to support children in the borough, while Mohi, a local parent, said school uniform costs were a "matter of worry" for himself and his comes as the government's Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill looks to limit the number of branded uniform items a school can require, to ease the financial burden on parents. "I'm working in a solicitor's, but you know, day by day our costs and expenses are really high," Mohi said. "As a parent, we always think ahead. So [uniforms] is something that is a matter of worry for me and my family." The head of London Enterprise Academy said its school uniform costs were more than £200, but that they supplied some items to students free of charge."I realise it's a very expensive time in August for parents, so as a school, since we opened, we subsidised the uniform," its principal Ashid Ali said."All of our students will get a free PE kit when they join our school, and when they move to Year 10, we have always provided free blazers, as the children are growing up." Suraia, a student at the school, said when pupils felt "inferior" to their peers because of their clothing, it affected "literally everything", including their Hamlets Council announced the school universal uniform grant earlier this Rahman said: "It will go some way in supporting our youngsters at primary school and when they go into secondary school."Giving them some financial help, some 7,000 children in a year will be supported."The City of London offers grants to families that earn under £7,400 or are on benefits, while Westminster City Council provides a grant to families eligible for free school meals. Wandsworth Council offered a voucher try to reduce costs for everyone, the government is proposing a limit of three branded uniform items at primary school and four at secondary."This means, for the first time, no school in England will be able to require unnecessarily large numbers of branded items, so no parent will be unfairly disadvantaged," a spokesperson for the Department for Education said. Watch the full Politics London programme on BBC iPlayer.
The Independent
03-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Thousands can get up £300 to help with bills through DWP scheme – all the support available
Households across the UK could receive appliances, utility bill help and even cash payments worth up to £300 as a part of an ongoing government scheme. Available to those struggling with their finances, the Household Support Fund (HSF) is offered by local councils alongside the regular benefits and grants. Some councils are offering appliances like air fryers and microwaves, while others are even 'replacing' the winter fuel payment for pensioners who were ruled ineligible for it due to Labour changes last year. The nationwide scheme was first introduced by the Conservative government in 2021 to support vulnerable households through the cost of living crisis and Covid-19 pandemic. But with costs and bills remaining high long past the peak of the pandemic, the 'temporary' measure has now been extended five times, most recently by Labour in August. The latest round of funding has provided local authorities with a share of the £421 million pot to spend how they feel will best support households in their areas. Some may provide cash grants, for instance, while others are offering supermarket vouchers or heating support. In most cases, there will be strict criteria for a household to be eligible for support through the local HSF. This will include factors such as income, vulnerability of the resident, number of dependents and cost of bills. Most schemes will also require households to apply, and not be awarded automatically. Here's your guide to what support is available in local areas across the country. Be aware: many of these schemes will be withdrawn when the council's funding allocation for them is met. London Tower Hamlets Access to the HSF in Tower Hamlets is available through the authority's Resident Support Scheme. This is designed to help with 'short term living costs' including food, gas/electric meters, and in some cases white goods and furniture. The authority has also used part of its HSF allocation to provide financial support to low-income pensioners who do not qualify for the winter fuel payment. Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: 'Making the Winter Fuel payment means-tested will have a detrimental effect on pensioners who are already facing the rising costs of energy bills. 'This creates a risk that pensioners will not turn their heating on for fear of not being able to pay the bills, which is wrong. 'This is why we are stepping in and providing a £175 safety net for those who will be missing out.' For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Tower Hamlets council website. Lambeth Lambeth council says its HSF will be used for the following: Support for families in receipt of free school meals during the holidays. Families will receive this support directly from their child's school Extra funding to enhance the council's cash payouts for low-income residents most in need. Eligible residents will have received a letter with details on how to collect their payment Funding for food banks and surplus food distribution sites Specialist energy saving support and advice Additional funding for the Emergency Support Scheme for residents in an emergency or crisis, such as residents struggling to pay bills or afford food For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Lambeth council website. Enfield Through Enfield's HSF, assistance may be available for: Food (this may be through a food bank and pantry referrals) Energy bills and water bills/top-ups Support with housing costs, but not mortgage payments Wider essentials, such as broadband, phone bills, clothing or essential transport related costs White goods, such as a fridge/freezer, washing machine or cooker. White goods will be sourced from a suitable provider. The council will not be able to provide a cash payment A cash award (limited to £250) For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Enfield council website Croydon Croydon's HSF fund will go towards helping residents with household costs. These could include: The fund can also go towards essential household appliances and essential transport costs. For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Croydon council website. Kingston Kingston council says it will use its HSF allocation to support households in need afford the essentials. Vouchers will be made available to support with costs such as 'food, utility bills and other pressures.' For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Kingston council website. Solihull In the West Midlands, Solihull council is providing energy payments worth £147 to households with biomass heating. All homeowners, private renters and housing association or council tenants can apply for extra support if they meet all the criteria. This means they must: For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Solihull council and Act on Energy application page North Lincolnshire In North Lincolnshire, over 6,000 pensioners will receive free airfryers, with over 1,000 delivered so far. The council says the the initiative is designed to help reduce energy bills and cool more healthy meals. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: 'Many pensioners are struggling to pay their energy bills and relied on the winter fuel payment at this time of the year when energy bills soar, particularly as the temperatures have plummeted and at North Lincolnshire Council we want to do our bit to help.' The council is also sending out over 1,300 slow cookers and nearly 400 one-cup kettles. In December, the household support fund was also used to send £200 low-income pensioners in the area to replace the funds loss from the removal of the winter fuel payment. Newcastle In Newcastle, the HSF will be used for: The council will also be contacting local pensioners receiving council tax support and/or housing benefit who no longer qualify for the winter fuel payment following Labour changes to the benefit. Advise from the authority reads: 'We will support 3,700 households in receipt of Council Tax Support and or Housing Benefit who will not qualify for the Government's Winter Fuel Allowance.' Worcestershire In Worcestershire, the HSF will provide eligible households with: For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Worcestershire council website. Surrey Surrey council will be using the HSF to fund several strands of support for struggling households, these include: Provision of free school meals vouchers to eligible children over the school holidays. Continued support for food banks, community fridges and food clubs Funding for the Surrey Crisis Fund The council has also set aside £750,000 for residents via District and Borough councils. For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Surrey council website. Hertfordshire In Hertfordshire, residents eligible for the HSF can benefit from: Supermarket vouchers during the holidays for families receiving free school meals Money for food and energy Assistance with housing costs Additional support for people on pension credit For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Hertfordshire council website. Staffordshire Staffordshire County Council has laid out how it intends to use the HSF, with schemes including: Emergency payments for vulnerable households to help with essentials Supermarket eVoucher scheme with eligible households receiving £65 per household and £20 per additional dependant. Utility support worth £300 Education support fund – households with children receiving free school meals given supermarket vouchers over the holidays. For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Staffordshire council website. Coventry In Coventry, vulnerable households can benefit from: Essential utility support worth £120 or £160 for households with children. Can be applied for a maximum of three times. Food support with three emergency food parcels per household Household appliances, furniture, clothing, bedding and toiletries all considered in exceptional cases For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Coventry council website. In York, there is currently one scheme running through the HSF: There are over 300 local authorities in the UK. For more information about what's available in every area, the End Furniture Poverty charity offers a helpful assistance finder tool.
The Independent
27-01-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Household support fund: Thousands of homes could get air fryers or up to £300
Households across the UK could receive appliances, utility bill help and even cash payments worth up to £300 as a part of an ongoing government scheme. Available to those struggling with their finances, the Household Support Fund (HSF) is offered by local councils alongside the regular benefits and grants. Some councils are offering appliances like air fryers and microwaves, while others are even 'replacing' the winter fuel payment for pensioners who were ruled ineligible for it due to Labour changes last year. The nationwide scheme was first introduced by the Conservative government in 2021 to support vulnerable households through the cost of living crisis and Covid-19 pandemic. But with costs and bills remaining high long past the peak of the pandemic, the 'temporary' measure has now been extended five times, most recently by Labour in August. The latest round of funding has provided local authorities with a share of the £421 million pot to spend how they feel will best support households in their areas. Some may provide cash grants, for instance, while others are offering supermarket vouchers or heating support. In most cases, there will be strict criteria for a household to be eligible for support through the local HSF. This will include factors such as income, vulnerability of the resident, number of dependents and cost of bills. Most schemes will also require households to apply, and not be awarded automatically. Here's your guide to what support is available in local areas across the country this winter: London Tower Hamlets Access to the HSF in Tower Hamlets is available through the authority's Resident Support Scheme. This is designed to help with 'short term living costs' including food, gas/electric meters, and in some cases white goods and furniture. The authority has also used part of its HSF allocation to provide financial support to low-income pensioners who do not qualify for the winter fuel payment. Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: 'Making the Winter Fuel payment means-tested will have a detrimental effect on pensioners who are already facing the rising costs of energy bills. 'This creates a risk that pensioners will not turn their heating on for fear of not being able to pay the bills, which is wrong. 'This is why we are stepping in and providing a £175 safety net for those who will be missing out.' For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Tower Hamlets council website. Lambeth Lambeth council says its HSF will be used for the following: Support for families in receipt of free school meals during the holidays. Families will receive this support directly from their child's school Extra funding to enhance the council's cash payouts for low-income residents most in need. Eligible residents will have received a letter with details on how to collect their payment Funding for food banks and surplus food distribution sites Specialist energy saving support and advice Additional funding for the Emergency Support Scheme for residents in an emergency or crisis, such as residents struggling to pay bills or afford food For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Lambeth council website. Enfield Through Enfield's HSF, assistance may be available for: Food (this may be through a food bank and pantry referrals) Energy bills and water bills/top-ups Support with housing costs, but not mortgage payments Wider essentials, such as broadband, phone bills, clothing or essential transport related costs White goods, such as a fridge/freezer, washing machine or cooker. White goods will be sourced from a suitable provider. The council will not be able to provide a cash payment A cash award (limited to £250) Croydon Croydon's HSF fund will go towards helping residents with household costs. These could include: The fund can also go towards essential household appliances and essential transport costs. For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Croydon council website. Kingston Kingston council says it will use its HSF allocation to support households in need afford the essentials. Vouchers will be made available to support with costs such as 'food, utility bills and other pressures.' For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Kingston council website. Rest of England: North Lincolnshire In North Lincolnshire, over 6,000 pensioners will receive free airfryers, with over 1,000 delivered so far. The council says the the initiative is designed to help reduce energy bills and cool more healthy meals. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: 'Many pensioners are struggling to pay their energy bills and relied on the winter fuel payment at this time of the year when energy bills soar, particularly as the temperatures have plummeted and at North Lincolnshire Council we want to do our bit to help.' The council is also sending out over 1,300 slow cookers and nearly 400 one-cup kettles. In December, the household support fund was also used to send £200 low-income pensioners in the area to replace the funds loss from the removal of the winter fuel payment. Newcastle In Newcastle, the HSF will be used for: Free school meal vouchers for children over the school holidays Hardship payments for residents in financial difficulty (applications not yet open) The council will also be contacting local pensioners receiving council tax support and/or housing benefit who no longer qualify for the winter fuel payment following Labour changes to the benefit. Advise from the authority reads: 'We will support 3,700 households in receipt of Council Tax Support and or Housing Benefit who will not qualify for the Government's Winter Fuel Allowance.' Worcestershire In Worcestershire, the HSF will provide eligible households with: For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Worcestershire council website. Surrey Surrey council will be using the HSF to fund several strands of support for struggling households, these include: Provision of free school meals vouchers to eligible children over the school holidays. Continued support for food banks, community fridges and food clubs Funding for the Surrey Crisis Fund The council has also set aside £750,000 for residents via District and Borough councils. For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Surrey council website. Hertfordshire In Hertfordshire, residents eligible for the HSF can benefit from: Supermarket vouchers during the holidays for families receiving free school meals Money for food and energy Assistance with housing costs Additional support for people on pension credit For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Hertfordshire council website. Staffordshire Staffordshire County Council has laid out how it intends to use the HSF, with schemes including: Emergency payments for vulnerable households to help with essentials Supermarket eVoucher scheme with eligible households receiving £65 per household and £20 per additional dependant. Utility support worth £300 Education support fund – households with children receiving free school meals given supermarket vouchers over the holidays. For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Staffordshire council website. Coventry In Coventry, vulnerable households can benefit from: For eligibility and how to apply, visit the Coventry council website. In York, there is currently one scheme running through the HSF: For eligibility and how to apply, visit the York council website. There are over 300 local authorities in the UK. For more information about what's available in every area, the End Furniture Poverty charity offers a helpful assistance finder tool.
