An additional round of the Household Support Fund was announced in the Spring Budget on 6th March 2024 which means up to £3.5m will be distributed in Nottingham this spring and summer. The money will be used to support struggling pensioners, families and the city’s most vulnerable households with the increased costs of living.
The money has come from the Government’s Household Support Fund and will be given out to people across the city to ease the pressure of increasing costs over the coming months, with online applications for Supermarket and Energy Support vouchers opening on Wednesday 22nd May 2024.
This is the fifth round of funding and previously the grant has been used towards a package of help and advice for Nottingham residents who receive Council Tax Support. This has included e-vouchers for energy bills and supermarkets, including throughout the school holidays for pupils who have free school meals (FSM).
Councillor Cheryl Barnard, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education at Nottingham City Council, said: “It is a sad reality that many families in Nottingham have become dependent on support from the Government, the Council and charities as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
“Schemes such as the Household Support Fund have been vital for many families and I’m proud of everything that the Council has been able to deliver over these past few years to help those most in need with their food and energy bills through vouchers, foodbanks, holiday activity clubs for children and so much more.
“I would urge anyone who is struggling financially to see find out what support they may be eligible for and apply for it as soon as possible, as these are limited on a first come, first served basis. Our website also provides further advice and avenues for support for those who may need it.”
The latest award takes the amount distributed to vulnerable people to more than £17m since October 2021.
More than 19,000 FSM children in Nottingham will continue to get supermarket vouchers for the May and summer holidays, as well as access to free half-term activities through the Holiday Activity Fund.
The full programme of support and go live dates, along with details of how residents can apply, can be found on the website here: https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/householdsupportvouchers