VULNERABLE families in Liverpool are set to receive extra support with bills this winter.
Liverpool has been awarded £6 million for the next stage of the Household Support Fund. The funding will be used to provide support with fuel and food costs for some Liverpool residents including households with young people, carers and care leavers, and disabled people who may require extra support with energy costs.
Eligible families with children under one, families with youngsters aged two years who are accessing free early education, and families with children entitled to free school meals will receive supermarket vouchers to support them this winter.
The Winter Support vouchers will be distributed by schools to eligible children. School aged children have received a £15 voucher for October, £30 worth of vouchers for December and will get £15 of vouchers in February. Whilst these are not part of the government’s previous free school meal vouchers for school holidays, they will be distributed to coincide with school holidays.
Children accessing two year old free early education and eligible families with a child under one will receive a one off £100 voucher in December. These vouchers will be distributed by the setting the child attends.
Funding will also be used to support other families identified by children’s social care.
Liverpool Carers Centre is working to ensure that vouchers reach carers across city.
Carers, care leavers, and disabled people that are eligible for support, will be automatically contacted by the council and its partner agencies after the New Year.
If you are not contacted, you may still be entitled to some help, subject to criteria, from the Liverpool Citizens Support Scheme. Please visit the council’s website or call Freephone 0800 456 1523 or 0151 233 3053, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Cllr Frazer Lake, Cabinet Member for Adults and Children’s Social Care, said: “This is a particularly difficult winter due to the rising cost of heating, fuel and food and our staff have been working hard to identify vulnerable families.
“Issuing vouchers means that families can choose their own food from their regular supermarket and be confident of its quality.
“I would encourage anyone who is struggling, whether you have children or not, to contact the Liverpool Citizens Support scheme. The team will be able to advise whether you are entitled to any support for basic living expenses.”
