Cash support from Council for families in need

A Trafford Council scheme to support families and vulnerable adults in the borough over the winter period is being launched.

All families who have a child in receipt of a free school meal will be awarded £30 cash payment, per child, per school holiday week in December, as part of the Government’s national Household Support Fund.

For the February half term and Easter holidays, this will be a £15 cash payment, per child, per school holiday week.

School holiday support has previously been a voucher scheme but this will now become a cash-first scheme, with applicants being paid the cash equivalent into their bank accounts. The change is because the latest research into poverty has revealed that cash, instead of a payment in kind, is the most effective way to reduce poverty.

Cllr Tom Ross, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Finance and Governance, said:

“All families should be able to enjoy the Christmas holidays, rather than worry about not having enough to eat. It’s a basic human right to have enough food to live on so I am pleased we are able to assist in this.”

The Council is also encouraging low income families on free school meals to make an application for support. Children must be in receipt of free school meals in order to receive an award.

In addition to support with food, the Council offers support to families and vulnerable adults who are struggling to heat their homes or pay their water costs. The Trafford Assist scheme has a range of support and the Council is urging those struggling to manage their bills to complete the online application form.

The new form has been introduced to improve the process. The improved form will mean an instant decision will be made for claims relating to food and fuel. The form can be accessed on the Trafford Local Welfare Assistance page.

Cllr Tom Ross added:

“No-one should have to make the decision of whether they either feed their children or heat the home, so we want residents to know that we are there for them. If you are struggling and need help to pay for food, fuel or water, we can help and our changes mean that support gets to you quicker.”

For more information about Trafford Assist, visit www.trafford.gov.uk/trafford-assist.