Families and vulnerable adults can now access money from Trafford council to support them through the winter period.
Those across the borough who have a child in receipt of free school meals will be awarded a £30 cash payment.
This will be allocated per child, per school holiday week in December, as part of the government’s national household support fund.
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For the February half term and Easter holidays, this will be a £15 cash payment, per child, per school holiday week.
Previously the school holiday support schemes featured vouchers, but this has now changed to become a cash-first programme with applicants being paid funds directly into their bank accounts.
The change has come about as a result of recent research which found that cash, instead of a payment in kind equivalents like vouchers, is the most effective way to reduce poverty.
Coun Tom Ross, Trafford council’s executive member for finance, said: “All families should be able to enjoy the Christmas holidays, rather than worry about not having enough to eat.
“It’s a basic human right to have enough food to live on so I am pleased we are able to assist in this.”
The council is also encouraging low income families on free school meals to make an application for support.
Children must be in receipt of free school meals in order to receive an award.
In addition to support with food, the council is also offering support to families and vulnerable adults who are struggling to heat their homes or pay their water costs.
The Trafford Assist scheme has a range of support and the council is urging those struggling to manage their bills to complete the online application form.
A new, improved application form means that all applicants will get an instant decision on their claims relating to food and fuel.
The form can be accessed here.
Coun Tom Ross added: “No-one should have to make the decision of whether they either feed their children or heat the home, so we want residents to know that we are there for them.
“If you are struggling and need help to pay for food, fuel or water, we can help and our changes mean that support gets to you quicker.”
For more information about Trafford Assist, click here.
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