The Household Support Fund (HSF), a government initiative aimed at alleviating the cost of living crisis for struggling families, has been extended until April 2025, with a total of £421 million allocated to local councils across England. This fund provides crucial financial assistance during challenging times, especially during school holidays when expenses tend to rise for families with children. While the central government provides the funding, each local authority retains autonomy in determining the specific allocation and distribution methods, resulting in variations in support offered across different regions. This localized approach aims to tailor assistance to the specific needs of each community.
Several councils have already announced their plans for distributing HSF support during the February half-term break. These initiatives primarily focus on providing supermarket vouchers or direct cash payments to eligible families. Surrey County Council, for example, is offering £15 supermarket vouchers per eligible child, with the total amount capped at £75 per household. Similarly, the Royal Borough of Greenwich is providing £15 per child for the half-term break and an additional £30 per child for the Easter holiday. The East Riding of Yorkshire Council is also participating in the scheme, offering £15 vouchers per eligible child, distributed through their respective schools. These initiatives collectively aim to mitigate the financial burden on families during school breaks.
Havering Council in London has implemented “The School Meal Holiday Scheme,” offering £15 vouchers to eligible families. The eligibility criteria include being a Havering resident, having children aged 5 to 16, and being a recipient of free school meals and pupil premium. The application deadline for this scheme is February 5, 2025, and payments are expected to be disbursed the following week. Central Bedfordshire Council is providing a slightly higher voucher amount of £17.50 per eligible child receiving free school meals. Parents and carers will receive communication prompting them to select their preferred supermarket for the voucher. These diverse approaches highlight the flexibility afforded to local councils in tailoring the HSF to their specific circumstances.
While the aforementioned examples illustrate the support offered by specific councils, it is crucial to understand that every local authority in England has received a portion of the HSF. Therefore, even if your council is not listed above, it is highly recommended to contact them directly to inquire about available support. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the council, but generally, families with children receiving benefit-related free school meals or experiencing financial hardship are likely to qualify. Proactive engagement with your local council is essential to understand the specific support options available in your area.
The HSF plays a critical role in supplementing free school meals, a government program that provides meals to eligible children in England attending state schools, free schools, or academies. All children in reception, year one, and year two automatically qualify for free school meals. Beyond these years, eligibility is contingent on family circumstances, such as receiving specific benefits, asylum support, or having a limited income. Qualifying benefits include Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance, the guaranteed element of Pension Credit, and Working Tax Credits. For families receiving Universal Credit, income thresholds apply. In England and Wales, the annual income limit (excluding benefits) for free school meal eligibility is £7,400. For those receiving child tax credits, the limit is £16,190.
The HSF complements the free school meal program by providing additional support during school holidays, when children are not receiving meals at school. This combined approach ensures that vulnerable families receive consistent support throughout the year, mitigating the financial strain associated with providing meals for children. The localized implementation of the HSF allows councils to address the specific needs of their communities, providing tailored support that maximizes its impact. It is imperative for families struggling with the cost of living to proactively contact their local council to explore the range of support options available through the HSF.
