Local families on low incomes will be receiving supermarket vouchers to support them with food and other essentials over the summer months.
Over the coming days, Ealing Council will issue supermarket vouchers and grants to almost 10,000 families on low incomes with children. Eligible families do not need to apply, as the support will be automatically provided to all local households on the council’s existing databases which fit the criteria. The support is designed to free up some of the families’ household budgets to pay for their utilities.
No child should go hungry
Councillor Louise Brett, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes said: “School holidays can be a stressful time for parents, and especially if you are concerned about extra pressure on household budgets. The supermarket vouchers can make a real difference and I encourage all those who are eligible to receive them to make sure they claim them.
“I’m also really pleased that we are supporting our care leavers with £50 of supermarket vouchers, a commitment we’ve made to those who experience care in the borough.”
The council’s website has more information outlining the financial assistance and benefits available to residents.
Free school meals
Around 12,000 children who go to school in the borough and who are eligible for free school meals will receive these benefits. Eligible children who live in the borough but attend schools elsewhere will receive their vouchers from the council in which their school resides.
Parents of eligible children will receive supermarket vouchers for £90 per child.
Families with children aged five years old and younger, who receive housing benefit or council tax reduction or are living in temporary accommodation, will also be automatically identified using council databases. They will also receive £90 per household.
Welfare assistance scheme
Extra support is also available to help all local households in financial crisis, with or without children, through the council’s local welfare assistance scheme. This support is designed to help pay for essentials like sanitary products, warm clothing, blankets, boiler repairs and equipment such as ovens or fridges. It is open to families that have already received supermarket vouchers but need further help. People seeking this extra support should apply online.
Holiday activities
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is running over 5 weeks this summer. Eligible children and young people have a code to book their activities. Other vulnerable children and young people can be referred for a place on the programme by a professional such as their school or social worker.
There are 51 HAF providers running across 87 venues around the borough throughout the summer holidays. Full details and booking arrangements are online.
Check out other fun activities available over the summer in the borough and often free or at a reduced cost for those struggling with their budget.
