A DWP spokesman said the £1 billion Crisis Resilience Fund would act as a “safety net to help prevent families from falling into crises that could leave them dependent on the welfare state in the long term.”
“Local authorities tailor their programs to the needs of their area and this may include using the fund for free school meals during the school holidays if they believe this is where support is needed,” they added.
Families eligible for benefit-linked free school meals can access free activities and meals through the Holiday Activities and Food program over the summer, ESCC said.
“We recognize the pressures that many families continue to face and remain committed to ensuring that available funding is targeted at those experiencing the greatest financial hardship, in line with the aim of the new Government scheme,” Woolley added.
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