UK Government Extends £66M Household Support Fund for South West

The UK Government has extended the Household Support Fund for another year, providing over £66.2 million to assist households in the South West facing financial difficulties. This funding aims to help approximately 1.1 million people with essential costs like food and energy bills, shifting focus towards preventing financial struggles through long-term solutions such as improving energy efficiency. Additionally, the Scottish Futures Trust has published a report proposing new financial models to attract investment for retrofitting social housing, crucial for meeting Scotland's net zero targets. Meanwhile, an anti-poverty charity highlighted the dire conditions faced by those in temporary accommodation in Westminster, calling for urgent action to improve housing affordability and security. The Scottish government is also introducing measures to expedite repairs for damp and mould in social housing, responding to health concerns raised by past incidents. Overall, these initiatives underscore the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to address housing and financial insecurity across the UK.