The leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council has welcomed the extension of a special grants scheme which has helped thousands of hard-up families and individuals in the borough in Wednesday's budget.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the national Household Support Fund (HSF) introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic will continue for a further six months in his financial statement to MPs on Wednesday.

The move comes after Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council's Labour political boss, wrote to him last month asking for an extension to the HSF, which was due to end on March 31.

Since 2021 it has allowed the authority to provide millions of pounds in grants to more than 4,000 households struggling with the current cost of living, including food and bills.

Recipients include includes families with children, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and people with disabilities.

The HSF will now be extended until September, but Cllr Riley wants to see it continued or a similar scheme introduced after that deadline.

He said: "This will be welcome news for the many people for whom this extra money can often be the difference between feeding their families or not.

"The fund has provided a vital lifeline for our most vulnerable residents during the rising cost of living.

"It is welcome the Household Support Fund will continue beyond the end of March following heavy lobbying from councils and charities.

“We know the need for this help will not end when the HSF ends in six months.

"Continuing this funding is vital for our residents who are most vulnerable and have the lowest incomes.”

The HSF has also offered support through schools, to carers via The Carers Service and for older people through Age UK.