Cllr. Miss Linda Blackburn, Shadow Executive Member at Trafford Council for Children’s Services has welcomed the news that the Conservative Government have announced the new Supporting Families funding allocation for local authorities across England in 2023–4.
Trafford Council will receive a share of the £17,401,933 allocated to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in this latest round of funding to ensure skilled keyworkers continue to provide tailored support to the most vulnerable families in Trafford
Through the Conservative Government’s Supporting Families Programme, vulnerable families are allocated a skilled local keyworker to help them to tackle issues they may be facing across housing insecurity, poor education attainment and substance misuse giving them tailored support to turn their lives around.
As this flagship Conservative Government programme marks its tenth year, ministers have confirmed that £233.5 million will be allocated to 150 local authorities across England to continue the provision of keyworker support to some of the most vulnerable families in the UK.
This new funding boost builds on the £1.9 billion already invested into keyworker support by the Conservatives over the last decade which has reduced the number of children on the programme entering care by 32 per cent, reduced the number of juvenile custodial sentences by almost 40 per cent and the proportion of adults on the programme claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance by 11 per cent.
Commenting, Cllr. Miss Linda Blackburn said:
“The Conservative government has made huge progress improving outcomes for families but sadly there are still families struggling with insecure housing, substance misuse and other challenges.
“That is why I am delighted the Supporting Families Programmes is being expanded into its tenth year so vulnerable families in Trafford will benefit from a share of the funding for Greater Manchester to provide tailored keyworker support to help them turn their lives round.
“Through Covid-19 and cost of living challenges, the Conservative government has targeted support at those who need it most – only the Conservatives can deliver for the most vulnerable in our society.”
Commenting, the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:
“Since it began ten years ago, Supporting Families has provided vital help to thousands of families right across the country who face real challenges.
“The results are clear for all to see – the scheme has reduced the number of children entering care, cut the number of juvenile custodial sentences, helped many people into employment and reduced costs for the taxpayer.
“That is why we are backing the programme even further, with over £230 million this coming year to fund skilled keyworkers who help vulnerable and disadvantaged families turn their lives around.”
Commenting, the Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan said:
“Through its ground breaking whole-family early interventions, the Supporting Families programme has made a hugely positive impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of families.
“The last 10 years have seen significant positive changes, providing early access to better support from the right people at the right time – enabling families to overcome multiple and serious challenges.
“Everyone involved in delivering the scheme can be really proud that they have supported some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged families in our communities.”
