Households in a specific region of the UK are receiving £70 supermarket vouchers to assist with living expenses. Wakefield Council is distributing these vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund initiative. This fund, administered by individual councils, offers various forms of aid such as energy support, supermarket vouchers, and cash grants.
The vouchers are being provided to low-income households receiving council tax assistance. Pensioners who are Council Tax Support beneficiaries have already received a £70 voucher in November, with additional vouchers planned for other eligible households.
Families in receipt of Council Tax Support will receive a £50 voucher starting December 15. Meanwhile, other households receiving Council Tax Support will receive a £70 voucher between December 3 and December 12. Eligible recipients will automatically receive the vouchers without the need for application, within 14 days of the specified dates. Residents are advised to remain cautious of potential scammers.
Non-Wakefield residents are encouraged to explore the support available through their local councils’ Household Support Fund. For instance, Blackpool Council is granting £200 in energy assistance to qualifying households, with larger households of three or more individuals, including children, receiving £300.
Applicants must demonstrate financial hardship and bill payment difficulties to claim support. While Universal Credit or other benefits are not mandatory for eligibility, only one award can be claimed within a 12-month period. Payments are directed to energy providers, appearing as credits on bills or pre-payment meters. Applications can be made through the Blackpool Council website.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is also offering free £120 vouchers to eligible residents. Working age households receiving Council Tax Reduction have already received two £60 vouchers each in November, with pensioner households set to receive similar vouchers in January. Additionally, one-off £120 payments are available for low-income residents paying energy bills and not receiving Council Tax Reduction.