A TOP councillor has welcomed new government support for low income families in Thurrock.

Andrew Jefferies, councillor responsible for education at Thurrock Council, has welcomed the government’s announcement of a winter grant scheme following a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford.

The government previously insisted Universal Credit was the best way for struggling families to seek help, but has climbed down following pressure from the footballer's activism.

The scheme, run by councils, will see more than £400 million spent to help families struggling financially.

From this package, a £170m ring-fenced fund will be distributed through councils, with at least 80 per cent earmarked for help with food and bills.

Funds will start to be received from the beginning of December until the end of March.

The holiday food and activities programme will be expanded with a £220 million investment to cover Easter, summer and Christmas in 2021.

There will be a £16 million cash boost for the nation's food banks.

Mr Jefferies said Thurrock Council would receive £523,000 as part of the scheme to aid the 6,000 children in the borough in receipt of free school meals.

He said: "We welcome this new support for families who find themselves in difficult times due to the pandemic. This additional fund will enable the council to help our most vulnerable families this winter and thru to next year.

"Earlier in this pandemic the government gave Thurrock a grant of £193,000 to help ensure those who were shielding or vulnerable had food in their cupboards.

"This was on top of the money Thurrock Council was spending to provide food parcels. Thurrock has more than 6,000 children in receipt of free school meals and the council delivered more than 600 food parcels to the most vulnerable earlier in the year."

He added: "I am also pleased that the Prime Minster has announced the extension of Holiday Activities and food programme, which provides healthy food and activities for children during the school holidays and has a massive impact on disadvantage young people in our community, to cover Easter, Summer and Christmas next year."