Households in a particular region of the UK are receiving £70 supermarket vouchers to assist with living expenses. Wakefield Council is distributing these vouchers through the Household Support Fund, which offers various forms of aid such as energy support, supermarket vouchers, and cash grants.
The council is providing food vouchers to low-income households receiving council tax support. Eligible pensioners have already received a £70 voucher in November, with additional vouchers planned for other households. Families on Council Tax Support will receive a £50 voucher starting December 15, while other qualifying households will get a £70 voucher between December 3 and December 12.
Recipients do not need to apply for the vouchers as they will be sent automatically within 14 days of the designated dates. Wakefield Council advises residents to be cautious of potential scammers.
It is recommended that residents outside Wakefield check with their local council for support available through the Household Support Fund. For instance, Blackpool Council is providing £200 energy assistance to eligible households with one or two individuals, with larger households of three or more receiving £300.
To qualify for support, individuals must demonstrate financial hardship and difficulties in bill payment, submitting recent bank statements for all household members. Universal Credit or other benefits are not mandatory for fund eligibility, but only one award can be claimed within a year.
Payments are directly credited to the energy provider and reflected on bills or pre-payment meters. Applications can be made through the Blackpool Council website.
In a similar initiative, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is issuing £120 worth of vouchers to eligible residents. Working-age households with Council Tax Reduction received two £60 vouchers in late November, and pensioner households will receive the same in early January. Additionally, a one-time payment of £120 is available for low-income residents who pay energy bills without Council Tax Reduction.