Applications can be made online from Monday
Family of those who receive free school lunches will be able to apply for a £15 grant to cover meals next week.
The council stepped in after Conservative MPs voted to reject an extension of the scheme following a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford.
Parents and carers will be able to apply for the fund using an online application form through the council website from 10am on Monday.
The council has also vowed to do the same at Christmas, if the government doesn’t provide the benefit.
Once the application has been made and processed, then the money will be paid into their bank account to cover half term.
The Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Damian White, said: “This has been a massive debate nationally and I know it has created division around the country. The most important thing here is that we support those most in need during the Covid crisis.
“We need to ensure they do not miss out on meals while schools are closed, which is even more important now we are in Tier 2 and on high alert. This goes beyond politics. We have taken this decision with only one agenda: to ensure children do not go hungry over half term.
“This is why I instructed officers to find a way of ensuring those who qualify for free school meals continue to get the support they need during half term. This is around 7,000 children from the borough and they will receive £15 per week to pay for food. We will also do the same over Christmas if needed. This is part of our ongoing support to residents throughout the crises.
“This will be open for application from Monday. This has only been made possible by the additional financial support that the government has made available to local government. This meant we could boost our existing financial support package.”
With October half term approaching, and being in the second wave COVID-19 pandemic, I have been working with @LBofHavering to provide support to children on free school meals throughout #Havering. We will be contacting parents directly and outlining our proposals today.
— Damian White (@CllrDamianwhite) October 23, 2020
The Council will be contacting parents, and ensuring the borough’s food banks are on hand to offer further support.
Havering Council also offers support for those who don’t qualify for free school meals but still need help. Further information can be found on the website www.havering.gov.uk/covid19.
Earlier, Redbridge Council made a similar announcement to support local children during the half-term.
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Tags: Havering, Havering Council
