Thousands of Bedford Borough families to receive shopping vouchers again this Christmas

This Christmas, Bedford Borough Council will continue to provide supermarket vouchers to thousands of families who are entitled to income related free school meals, in the Borough.

Funded through the Household Support Fund, Bedford Borough Council will continue to provide each eligible child £15 per week. The Council anticipate issuing over 6,650 vouchers to Bedford Borough families for the school break.

Councillor Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Welfare said, "We are pleased that we can continue to provide this support for families for the holiday period. The rise in the cost of living is proving very tough for many people financially and it is important that no child goes hungry in Bedford Borough. We know what a difference this help can make. Hopefully this support will mean children and young people in the Borough can enjoy their Christmas without families worrying about where their child's next meal is coming from."

Children are eligible for the vouchers if their family receives one of the benefits listed below and have applied for free school meals:

• Universal Credit - with an annual earned income of no more than £7,400 after tax
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
• Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual gross income of no more than £16,190
• Early Years Pupil Premium
• Two Year Old Funding

Families with eligible children will receive their vouchers as they have previously, via an email or through their school or setting's distribution process. This will be through a new provider, Edenred.

If your child attends an Early Years Setting or nursery class and is eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium or Two Year Old Funding, parents/carers will receive one voucher at Christmas that will cover both the October half term and the Christmas holiday periods.

The Council and Bedford Borough schools are encouraging more families to register and apply for free school meals, so that they begin to receive the support they need.

To find out if you are eligible and to register for free school meals visit www.bedford.gov.uk/schools-education-and-childcare/education-welfare-service/free-school-meals/