DWP confirms that Covid Winter Grant Scheme will be extended to 16 April 2021

Department also confirms that further £59 million is being made available for scheme, bringing total funding to £229 million

The DWP has confirmed that the Covid Winter Grant Scheme - that was due to end at the end of March 2021 - will be extended to 16 April 2021.

Responding yesterday to a written question in parliament on whether the Department intends to continue the support provided by the scheme, Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince said -

'The Covid Winter Grant Scheme was introduced to provide Local Authorities in England with funding to support vulnerable households with the costs of food, heating and water bills, in response to the pandemic. The funding was intended to provide additional support throughout the challenging winter period to those most in need. This will now be extended until the 16 April 2021 to support families as restrictions are gradually lifted.'

In addition, the DWP has today issued a press release confirming that an additional £59.1 million in funding is being made available for the scheme - which brings the total value of funding for the scheme to £229.1 million - and setting out the allocation of the additional funding by local authority.

Mr Quince's written answer is available from parliament.uk