Thousands of families on the brink due to the soaring cost of living crisis are set to receive a lifeline with £315 in supermarket vouchers.
To ease the financial strain, Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Tesco and Asda customers will benefit from the government-extended Household Support Fund. It follows Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget announcement in March.
Stockport Council is stepping up to support its community by issuing £105 vouchers for families finding it tough to afford necessities.
Each eligible child will grant their family a £105 voucher, potentially adding up to £315 to tackle the cost of essentials, as clarified by the local authority.
The distribution of all vouchers is scheduled for late July.
For families of children who are entitled to free school meals, vouchers will be emailed directly if the Council has an email address on file, reports Birmingham Live.
Families with children eligible for vouchers through Local Council Tax Support and/or Housing Benefit from Stockport Council will receive vouchers via post.
Councillor Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, commented on the initiative: “We know that times continue to be hard in this ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and we want to do all we can to help residents across Stockport, especially households with young families.
“The family support vouchers will be distributed before the end of July, providing vital support to those who are eligible.”
She continued: “We hope they will reduce some of the financial pressures that many face over the summer, such as navigating the school holiday and buying uniforms for the coming year.”
Jilly added: “It’s so important that everyone living in our borough is aware of and can access the support available to them you can find out more on our cost of living support web pages.”
The Household Support Fund has been created to alleviate the burden of financial strains experienced by residents. For more detailed information related to the HAF programme, individuals are requested to reach out to the team at [email protected].
Families who believe they may be eligible are urged to create an online account and update their details.
Can I get help if I don’t live in Stockport?
Other help is available but it depends on where you live as each council is distributing their share of the HSF differently.
If you have a limited amount of money or savings in the bank, are classed as vulnerable or on benefits, you will likely qualify for help.
Outside of Stockport, low-income pensioners families and disabled residents in Wakefield could receive £75 supermarket vouchers.
You should get in touch with your local council to see if you might be eligible for help.
