THE North-East’s largest authority is going to start handing out vouchers for nappies, baby milk and sanitary products as it tries to help people struggling as a result of austerity.

Durham County Council has agreed to extend its welfare assistance provision after deciding to carry out a review in light of benefit changes.

Councillor Jane Brown, cabinet member for social inclusion, said: “I believe this makes a real difference to people in the most need.

“The review highlighted the need to provide sanitary products, nappies and milk, which are vital for County Durham women and their families.”

The scheme has a budget of £1m and is aimed at helping people struggling with welfare reform, with grants available for people struggling with financial emergencies.

It has also been extended so people can access hygiene packs, and get help with the cost of gas and electric, travel and replacement white goods.

Last year, the council gave out an average of 113 awards a month and since 2015, help totalling about £1.32m has been given to 3,964 people.

Last year, there was an increase in the number and value of awards following the roll out of universal credit to parts of the county.

Cllr Lucy Hovvels said; “It’s very timely. We all know women are affected more than anyone else by government cuts.

“It’s a sad reflection that we are having to do this in one of the richest countries. It’s absolutely shameful.”

The scheme was first introduced in 2013 when the government abolished the crisis loan and community care grant aspects of benefits, and replaced these with local welfare schemes.

Government funding for local scheme was withdrawn in 2015/16 and the council is one of the few in the country that has not cut its budget since 2013.

By last April, 26 councils had closed their schemes while 41 others had cut their budgets by at least 60 per cent.

Cllr Brown added: “I’m proud we are making the decision to continue to fund this.

“Local people are continuing to bear the brunt of austerity with no safety net from the government.”

The council is now looking at how it can improve awareness of the scheme after it emerged that take up was just three per cent among people over the age of 60.

The scheme includes a £50,000 grant to Durham Foodbank, £2,700 for the East Durham Trust’s FEED project and £10,000 to underwrite low cost loans from the NE First Credit Union. There is also £140,000 for area action partnerships to fund local initiatives looking a welfare reform.