Keep emergency fund

Local authorities have called on the government to rethink its decision to scrap the £347m local welfare assistance fund, which provides emergency support for vulnerable people facing short-term crises. Sir Merrick Cockell, chair of the Local Government Association, says: “By helping people at an early stage and targeting support where it is needed most, we have been able to give essential support in people's time of need and prevent short-term problems escalating.”