Local welfare, while under assault, may continue

Many not-for-profit organisations, led by the Child Poverty Action Group, are putting pressure on the government to continue the local welfare schemes. As it stands right now, many councils will either have a major reduction or cease receiving funds from the central government, and this could impact millions of families on a low income and people in poverty.

In total, about a £180m is being sent to local communities, and the money has made a difference in the lives of the poor. Grants or other forms of aid, such as vouchers, are being used to help the vulnerable that are faced with a one-off crisis. It has been an effective replacement for the Social Fund, and it has helped many families keep their heat or during the winter or even prevent homelessness for those in rent arrears.

Studies show the councils have done an effective job in providing welfare in the form of vouchers or other services to the poor, and some councils have not even spent all of the government funding as the application process is so strict. There are independent studies that show that many applicants have been turned down in their request for an award, and this is over twice as many than under the Social Fund. So the assessment process is thorough and money is being used wisely.

Central government money has been used to assist the most vulnerable, such as individuals suffering poor health. There has also been help for the homeless, women fleeing domestic violence, or disabled people. There are also grants often provided to people facing a one-off crisis that are otherwise independent. While some councils offer an annual award, many others only offer one-off help in a crisis situation.

The Child Poverty Action Group is partnering with other charities and agencies, such as the Islington council, to ensure welfare continues. While they also want a review of the programmes to continue, no decision should be made until the results and cutbacks. They state changes should also not occur until then either. Also, CPAG would rather see funds used more wisely or small cutbacks rather than completely stop sending money to the local councils.

However, even though pressure is building, the mission from Child Poverty Action Group and its charity partners will be difficult. Chancellor George Osborne is stating that welfare benefits need to be frozen for up to two years to help the government balance its budget, so he as well is taking a strong stand on the welfare programmes. However, this may be better than ending them entirely.