THOUSANDS of parents are set to receive financial assistance worth up to £180 to help feed their kids during the school holidays.
Families will benefit from a £5.3 million support programme covering everything from meals to household essentials.
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Lambeth Borough Council has revealed its cost of living package for the next 12 months.
It will see parents in the area given the opportunity to access free school meals vouchers throughout the holidays.
Those with children receiving free school meals based on income or those claiming a range of benefits are eligible.
The vouchers will provide up to £15 a week off bills per eligible child.
For a two-child family, that totals £180 across the six-week holiday period.
In addition to the vouchers, the borough’s most vulnerable residents will see a cut in energy bills if they are impacted by communal heating or hot water charges.
And women and girls will be able to access sanitary products for free in all core council buildings including libraries and gyms.
The authority estimates that tens of thousands of residents will receive some form of support.
The school meal vouchers will be issued automatically through schools, with no application necessary.
Councillor Nanda Manley-Browne Cabinet Member for Equalities, Governance and Change said: “The cost of living crisis continues to put a huge squeeze on budgets for residents in Lambeth.
“Prices for essentials are still much higher than they were in 2021 whilst household incomes for our most hard pressed are largely the same.
“This funding package will provide immediate relief for vulnerable residents as well as help tackle poverty in the long term and build financial resilience.”
Councillor Fred Cowell, who shares the cabinet brief with Ms Manley-Browne, added: “As part of our 2030 Borough Plan, we want to make sure Lambeth becomes a borough of Equity and Justice, and our cost of living programme is key to this ambition.”
What if I don’t live in Lambeth
Those living outside of Lambeth will have to apply through their own local council – but plenty are taking part.
For example, Blackpool residents could receive support worth up to £300, while locals of Falkirk can receive reductions in council tax as well as boosted benefits on top of up to £470 in assistance.
You can find out which council runs your area on gov.uk using the online search tool.
Information on what support is available and how to apply will then be on the authority’s website.
Just be aware that the application process and eligibility criteria will differ from council to council.
If you can’t find the information you need, then you can call the council directly.
