These households to get £60 food vouchers over Christmas

Thousands of households will get £60 food vouchers to help with costs over Christmas. Low-income families who receive free school meals will get the support over the school holidays.

The announcement has been made by Sandwell Council and around 22,000 children in the borough will be supported. The vouchers will be sent out automatically to those who qualify so there's no need to apply.

The vouchers are the equivalent of four vouchers to cover the October half-term, Christmas and February half-term holidays in one voucher, the council said. Eligible families will receive £60 per child for parents and carers to spend at their local supermarket.

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The support is part of the Household Support Fund, cash given to local councils by the Government to help those most in need. The Black Country borough is among the most deprived areas of the country. Leader of Sandwell Council Councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: “We are committed to helping families cope at what we all know is an expensive time of year.

“I would urge anyone who is looking for help to visit our Supporting Sandwell information hub where there’s lots of advice and information available. Seek help as early as you can - getting help sooner rather than later can save you from more worry in the long run.”

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children and families Cllr Jalal Uddin added: “Sandwell Council is one of the few councils continuing to support families who are eligible for free school meals with these vouchers. We hope this will be a welcome boost to children and their families this Christmas.”