The recently announced changes to welfare benefits will have a catastrophic impact across the country, devastating families, and communities like Furness.
Across the UK, the governments own impact assessment suggests that 250,000 people will be forced into poverty. Of this number, 50,000 will be children.
This tidal wave of hardship will not only push more people into poverty but will also take a severe toll on both the mental and physical wellbeing of people who depend on the welfare system.
Among the most vulnerable will be children, who through no fault of their own, will find themselves facing unimaginable difficulties alongside their families.
In response, Councillor Roy Worthington, Westmorland and Furness Councillor for Hawcoat and Newbarns, is calling on the Furness Locality Board to establish a dedicated working group, to support those who will be plunged into financial crisis, when the Locality Board for Furness meets on Tuesday evening.
Commenting, Cllr Worthington said:
“There is a Household Support Fund available to assist those most in need, but it cannot provide ongoing support for essentials like rent payments.
“This is where the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) can help, at the Council’s discretion.
“However, we must do more,”
Cllr Worthington is committed to ensuring that local councillors work together to do all that they can to support those most vulnerable in our community.
“I am determined to ensure that our residents are not left without support during these challenging times.
“As a community, we must come together to provide practical assistance and advocate for those affected by these devastating cuts.” said the Hawcoat & Newbarns Councillor.
Further details on the proposed working group and available support schemes will be announced in due course.
The Furness Locality Board meets on Tuesday evening, 1st April, at 6 pm at Barrow Town Hall.
