Families whose children qualify for free school meals will get a food voucher of £20 per child for the February half-term, which they will receive through their schools, Herefordshire Council has announced.
“This will have a positive impact on low-income families and child poverty by minimising the debt burden on those that struggle to pay essential bills,” the council said in its decision.
It said the move would benefit over 4,500 children in the county, at a total cost estimated to be £93,000.
RELATED NEWS:
- Herefordshire's top official to get raise, but 'gap closing'
- Ukrainian aid group in Hereford 'won't be evicted'
- Cash for Herefordshire school to meet 'growing' special needs
The money is part of the Government’s Household Support Fund, worth over £1.3 million to the county in total, with at least one third allocated to vulnerable households with children. Councils have some leeway in how they spend the money locally.
Herefordshire Council has already given some of the fund money to community groups, which it describes as “existing trusted partners”, to provide help locally in the county, and has given food vouchers and emergency help to families directly.
Want to stay up to date with all the latest news for your local area? It's easy, just sign up for our free weekly email newsletter here and all the important stories that matter to you will be delivered straight to your inbox.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here