Food tops Lancashire council's spend from government fund

People have had to use the Household Support Fund as they cannot afford to buy food

Being unable to afford food is the main reason a county's residents have said they have had to use a government fund.

The Household Support Fund (HSF) was introduced more than two years ago.

A Lancashire County Council cabinet meeting heard its 12 district authorities have spent more on food than any other need under the fund.

The fund was launched in October 2021 as cost-of-living pressures began to bite. It has been extended on five occasions since.

Demand for all forms of support had been so great in some corners of the county that several district councils have run out of funding.

The government announced at last month's budget the scheme would continue for at least a further six months until the end of September.

Lancashire County Council has been allocated £9.7m for that period.

The council uses the cash for school holiday vouchers and help with household goods, clothes and energy schemes.

Councillor Michael Green said it was important to meet "local demand" where that differs across Lancashire.

Labour opposition group deputy leader Lorraine Beavers said the government's six-month HSF extension was "too short" and made it difficult for district councils to plan.