North Northants families to get support for cost-of-living challenges over Winter

More vulnerable residents in the North Northamptonshire Council area will be given a helping hand through the Government's extended Household Support Fund 3 scheme.

The Council will use the £2,465,491 grant, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), for these payments.

A report before the council's Executive next week will recommend the money is used to target three specific areas. These have been identified as those which will provide the most effective support during the Winter and up until March 2023:

• School holiday food support scheme
• Those working but receiving a low wage
• Community engagement, foodbanks and emergency funding

The school holiday food support scheme will operate by providing a £15 voucher in readiness for the October half term, as well as Christmas break to families of eligible children (those receiving free school meals).

Up to 4,000 households of people who are working, but receiving a low wage, will be able to apply for further financial relief via an online application process. Details of eligibility terms and how to apply will be released soon.

The council will also work with community groups to identify where best to target funds which would benefit up to a further 1,750 families. This assistance will either be in the form of direct payments, payments to charities, or assistance to foodbanks.