THE south west will be given £37 million to help households in need with the cost of daily essentials. 

The support will come as part of the Government's £500 million Household Support Fund, announced earlier this month. 

The money will be distributed by councils to households in their community in need of additional help. 

This will broadly consist of small grants to meet daily needs such as food, clothing and utilities. 

People who may benefit from the fund should contact their local council for more details on what will be available in their community. 

The south west's total of £37,564,628 has been split between 15 local authorities, including: 

  • Bath and North East Somerset (£966,860.28)
  • North Somerset (£1,307,847.79)
  • Somerset (£3,820,415.56) 

David Rutley, minister for welfare delivery, said: "This funding is there to support those most in need by providing extra help over winter, and by working through local councils we can make sure the vulnerable people in our communities get this vital support."

The Government has also pledged to give 2.2 million low-income households a £140 rebate on energy bills through the Warm Home Discount. 

Its Cold Weather Payment will provide an extra £25 per week for people in need living in areas where the temperature is consistently below zero. 

Families can also benefit from the £220m Holiday Activities and Food programme over the Christmas break, offering nutritious meals and enriching activities to disadvantaged children.