Support doubled for families over Christmas break
FAMILIES in Devon on lowincomes are to set get a Christmas bonus as support to help them buy food during the holidays is to be doubled.
Over the past year, Devon County Council has provided supermarket vouchers worth £15 per child per week of the school holidays to families who qualify for free school meals, so their children do not go hungry.
But over the Christmas holiday period, the council has announced they will be doubling the support for children who receive free school meals.
An extra one-off £30 supermarket voucher is to be provided, so families will receive a £60 voucher per child for the two weeks to help with the additional financial pressure the festive period can bring.
It’s part of a £5 million pound programme the council has organised with money from the Government’s new Household Support Fund to help people who are struggling this winter.
It comes as more families in Devon than ever before are eligible for free school meals, with numbers soaring during the coronavirus pandemic.
Cllr Roger Croad, Devon County Council cabinet member for communities, said: “It is clear that the coronavirus pandemic is continuing to put a huge financial strain on some people and the effects are likely to be felt for some time still to come.
“It’s no surprise when so many people in Devon work in sectors such as catering, hospitality, leisure, retail and tourism, which were among the hardest hit over the last 18 months.
“The impact on household budgets means many people are finding it especially difficult now as we move into colder winter months, particularly with the cost of food, energy, water and other essential items.
“In fact more families in Devon are eligible for free school meals for their children than ever before, with numbers soaring during the coronavirus pandemic to the highest levels on record. Nearly 18,500 children in Devon now qualify for free school meals, which equates to nearly 18.5 per cent per cent of all school children in the county and 2500 more children than this time last year.
“We are committed to supporting people in Devon experiencing hardship and this funding will help those who are struggling.
“We’ve worked with our colleagues in the district councils, at
Citizens Advice Devon and in our schools and colleges to ensure that this money gets to the people who need it most as quickly as possible, so if you need help I encourage you to get in touch.”
Children currently receiving benefits-related free school meals and their families can also take part in the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) scheme for free over the Christmas break. It aims to provide a wide range of enriching activities and nutritious food in a safe and sociable environment for children and young people to develop new skills or knowledge and try out new experiences, make friends and have fun.
Help with utility costs is also available via the government’s Household Support Fund, with applications being made through local district councils. The scheme, which runs until Thursday, March 31, 2022, can be used for things like heating repairs and housing costs.
Those who didn’t previously qualify for free school meals but whose income has recently reduced or stopped can apply online through the Devon County Council website or call the education helpline on 0345 155 1019 to check if they are eligible for support – and before December 17 to receive the holiday vouchers.