Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, what assessment they have made of the report Covid Realities: documenting life on a low income during the pandemic, published on 24 January; what assessment they have made of the finding in that report that support for people in poverty should, whenever possible, be provided in cash; and what plans they have to change the guidance to local authorities on assistance provided through the Household Support Fund.

No assessment has been made.

We have no current plans to change our guidance for the Household Support Fund on this matter. Local Authorities have the flexibility to design local schemes under the Household Support Fund that best meet local needs within the parameters set out in the guidance. Household Support Fund: final guidance for County Councils and Unitary Authorities in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)(paragraph 90).

The guidance does not prevent Councils from issuing cash to households in need of emergency support.