The council will deliver targeted payments to thousands of families to ensure that they have a cash boost during the colder months, right through into the new year.  

With energy bills skyrocketing and the cost of living already high, we know that many families will be extremely worried about balancing their budgets over Christmas.  

Using money from the Government’s Household Support Grant, we will be supporting a number of schemes throughout December, until March, to ensure our residents stay warm, well and safe.  

• We are sending targeted payments to residents on free school meals, along with equivalent payments for pre-school children, care leavers and nil recourse to public funds households. 
• We’ll also use the funding to strengthen the existing programmes including food banks and food pantries, and Stay Warm Stay Safe, as well as the Emergency Support Scheme. 
• The payments will be available to be accessed in the New Year, right through to March, as support from the council doesn’t end at Christmas.  

We’re making money available to those most at risk during the colder months. These payments form part of the council’s larger winter support offer, Royal Greenwich Together For Winter.  

This sees the council work with its partners and the voluntary sector to ensure that every resident in our borough has access to the resources they need.  

Councillor Matt Morrow, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Christmas is a time to be enjoyed but we know that for many it’s a time of intense stress and anxiety. Poverty is, sadly, still a devastating issue for thousands of families and that is why we are using this funding to support those who need it the most, right through until March.  

“Greenwich Together for Winter proved itself to be a vital programme last year and we’re committed to helping those in need once again, as well as ensuring our partners across the borough are supported in the incredible work they do.  

“We continue to see demand for these services and I want to reassure every resident that we’re here to help this Winter. No matter the difficulty you face, the council is stepping in to ensure that we face them together.” 

Click here for more information about Greenwich Together for Winter.