A CHARITY has slammed plans to axe £26million of funding for emergency grants and support for North West families.

Bosses at The Children’s Society hit back at Government plans to withdraw support from Local Welfare Assistance Schemes, which they say are the last line of defence for 210,000 vulnerable households in the region each year.

The schemes, run by local councils, help get struggling families back on their feet and prevent a temporary financial crisis from spiralling into debt and outright destitution.

This year just over £26m was shared between North West local authorities, with £645,138 helping 5,203 people in Blackburn with Darwen and £2.9million helping 23,684 in the Lancashire County Council area.

Matthew Reed, chief executive of The Children’s Society, said: “This is a cut too far. At a time of increasing child poverty, high levels of problem debts, and cuts to support for families, it is more important than ever that local welfare assistance schemes are available to help families in crisis.

“Without these schemes, families will have to choose between going without basic essentials to keep their family safe and healthy – such as food or heating – and turning to high cost credit or payday loans.”