A MULTI-MILLION-POUND national scheme to offer children, families and vulnerable individuals support during the winter months has been welcomed by Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger.

The Covid Winter Grant Scheme — worth £170m — will help families to manage food costs, heat homes and pay bills as the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic hits.

It is designed to complement the Free School Meals programme, following the campaign from footballer Marcus Rashford.

The Government’s scheme will allow councils to help the hardest-hit families and individuals, as well as provide food for children who need it over the holidays.

Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said: "The fund will not only make sure that no child goes hungry over Christmas, but also that a variety of different locally-identified needs are catered for."

The Government is also pouring another £220 million into the Holiday Activities and Food programme, which has supported around 50,000 children across 17 local authorities this summer.

The funding will ensure there is help for children at Easter, summer and Christmas in 2021.

Mr Liddell-Grainger, said: "This is a generous package and I am delighted ministers have recognised and responded to the need for it.

"Local authorities are already in possession of the necessary criteria for deciding which families will qualify for help from the fund.

"But if there are any families who feel their circumstances make them potential candidates as well I would urge them to contact my office."