September 18, 2026 - 325 views
Councils across Wales are being given a share of £4.8 million to help people struggling to afford food and other essentials, with additional funding for rural communities.
The Welsh Government says the money will support emergency food aid as well as longer-term measures aimed at preventing households from falling into poverty.
Local authorities will be able to use the funding to support food banks, lunch clubs, social supermarkets and community cafés, as well as organisations providing advice to families facing financial difficulties.
Rural councils will receive additional funding because of the extra costs and challenges involved in providing services across more sparsely populated areas.
The funding comes as deprivation remains a significant issue in parts of North Wales. The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2025 identified several communities in the region among the most deprived in Wales, including areas of Rhyl and Wrexham. Rhyl West 2 was ranked as the most deprived small area in Wales.
The figures measure concentrations of deprivation across communities rather than individual households, but highlight the continuing financial pressures faced in some parts of the region.
Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams said rising fuel and energy costs meant many families could face another difficult winter, adding that the funding was being targeted at people who need support most.
The Welsh Government says the £4.8 million is part of a wider package of measures to help people facing hardship, including financial assistance, advice services and support with household energy costs.
For communities across North Wales, the money will be distributed through the region's local authorities, which will decide how best to direct support towards areas where they identify the greatest need.
