A CHARITY is urging the Government to reconsider its decision to axe a hardship fund for thousands of families in crisis in Bradford.

Local authorities across the country are given Government funding to provide crisis grants to people suffering extreme hardship, such as the homeless or domestic violence victims.

But, from next year, it plans to axe this funding, which is worth about £2 million in Bradford.

The Children’s Society is now calling on the Government to change its mind, saying that the cut could hit almost 16,000 families in the district.

Its chief executive Matthew Reed 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 in Yorkshire and Humber 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, plunging them into a debt trap.

"The Government should think again and make sure all local authorities have dedicated funding to provide this vital safety net."

The charity said that this year, 15,782 families in the Bradford district were set to benefit from the crisis grants, based on a national average payout of £124.

In Bradford, some of the discretionary support payments are given out as crisis awards for families facing extreme financial pressure to buy essentials like food.

They also provide goods and furniture for vulnerable people, such as the homeless or domestic violence victims, to help them set up new homes.

The Government did not respond to the charity's comments yesterday.

Bradford Council hopes to fund a scaled-down version of the scheme itself, after the Government cash is axed.

It plans to start a loan scheme for poverty-stricken families to be able to turn to instead of payday lenders to buy essentials like cookers or beds.

It would also have a grant scheme with "very limited funding" for people in dire financial circumstances who cannot afford food or heating.

A public consultation into the proposal ends on Friday. To take part, visit bradford.gov.uk.