i have just been given a council flat and it is unfurnished, does anyone know if there is any type of government grants or loans that are available as i have 2 young children and a very low income. obviously i need to be able to buy essentials such as beds, cooker, etc.
You could apply for a loan from the Social Fund. It has to be repaid. Then there's the Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul, they both help with furniture and the like.
I don't know about grants but in our area there is an organisation (The Furniture Project) who collect furniture and recycle it. I've had a look at some of the stuff they have and its normally pretty good at reasonable prices perhaps there is some thing similar in your area which can help you get started untill things pick up. Unfortunatly because of safety & health they don't do any electrical lstuff. I'd also pop into your local Citizens advice they are always good for info on what grants etc are available
speak to your local cab or town council, they may know of local charities.
also check out freecycle for second hand items people are trying to dispose of
As well as Freecycle, the British Heart Foundation and Age Concern have various secondhand furniture warehouses around the country which sell furniture very cheaply. It's worth Googling to see if there are any in your area.