The government’s extension of the Household Support Fund (HSF) has evoked both relief and uncertainty among food banks.
The HSF is an £800 million support fund that helps the most vulnerable households with essential food and energy costs.
Despite its recent six-month extension welcomed by Jeremy Hunt MP last year, charities are worried that this is just a temporary solution to a much larger issue.
Helen Barnard, Director of Policy at the Trussell Trust, expressed disappointment in how short-term the solution is.
“The extension of the Household Support Fund is only for six months. When it ends, councils and charities will be left scrambling to fill an even bigger gap.”
“More people are likely to fall into unaffordable debt, be unable to afford essentials, and have no choice but to turn to food banks – who are already at breaking point.”
How does it affect London charities?
Asha Sumroy, Coordinator of the food bank at the ARC, a community centre in Islington, told City News that despite the positives of increased funding, it does not get to the bottom of solving the issue.
They said that increased awareness would be a better solution.
“Food banks are a small support structure for people who experience hugely complex and individualised struggles and issues that are the reason they would need to use a food bank”
“Even if a food bank had loads of money, it often doesn’t resolve underlying causes of food insecurities.”
“Extending funds for a certain amount of time can help in a crisis, but it isn’t necessarily the best type of support”
A spokesperson from the Trussell Trust told City News that food banks do not directly receive funding from the government, but they rely solely on charitable donations and gifts.
The HSF extension will expire on the 31st of March 2024, which raises concerns about its future efficacy.
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HeadlineLondon charities continue to struggle despite extension of the Household Support Fund
Short HeadlineLondon charities face challenges despite Household Support Fund extension
StandfirstThe HSF had been extended by the government last year, but London charities and struggling households are worried that it is just a temporary fix.
The government’s extension of the Household Support Fund (HSF) has evoked both relief and uncertainty among food banks.
The HSF is an £800 million support fund that helps the most vulnerable households with essential food and energy costs.
Despite its recent six-month extension welcomed by Jeremy Hunt MP last year, charities are worried that this is just a temporary solution to a much larger issue.
Helen Barnard, Director of Policy at the Trussell Trust, expressed disappointment in how short-term the solution is.
“The extension of the Household Support Fund is only for six months. When it ends, councils and charities will be left scrambling to fill an even bigger gap.”
“More people are likely to fall into unaffordable debt, be unable to afford essentials, and have no choice but to turn to food banks – who are already at breaking point.”
How does it affect London charities?
Asha Sumroy, Coordinator of the food bank at the ARC, a community centre in Islington, told City News that despite the positives of increased funding, it does not get to the bottom of solving the issue.
They said that increased awareness would be a better solution.
“Food banks are a small support structure for people who experience hugely complex and individualised struggles and issues that are the reason they would need to use a food bank”
“Even if a food bank had loads of money, it often doesn’t resolve underlying causes of food insecurities.”
“Extending funds for a certain amount of time can help in a crisis, but it isn’t necessarily the best type of support”
A spokesperson from the Trussell Trust told City News that food banks do not directly receive funding from the government, but they rely solely on charitable donations and gifts.
The HSF extension will expire on the 31st of March 2024, which raises concerns about its future efficacy.
