Thousands of households in one UK district are receiving a vital financial boost in the form of supermarket vouchers ahead of the festive season. The support is aimed at helping families manage the ongoing cost of living pressures.
Wakefield's Household Support Fund Voucher Scheme
Wakefield Council is issuing food vouchers worth £70 to eligible residents as part of the government's Household Support Fund. The scheme is targeted at households on a low income that are already receiving help with their council tax.
The rollout is happening in stages. Pensioners who get Council Tax Support should have received their £70 voucher in November. The next phase begins for other eligible households. Families in receipt of Council Tax Support will get a £50 voucher from December 15. All other qualifying households will receive a £70 voucher between December 3 and December 12.
A key point for residents is that there is no need to apply. If you are eligible, the voucher will be sent to you automatically by post, within 14 days of the scheduled distribution dates.
Council Warns Residents Over Scam Risks
Wakefield Council has issued a strong warning to residents to be vigilant against fraudsters trying to exploit the scheme. The authority has reported that scammers are sending texts and emails claiming to be from the council, asking for bank details to process a Household Support Fund payment.
The council's website states clearly: "Please ignore any messages you receive that may be similar to this. These vouchers are always issued by letter and you do not need to provide your bank account details in order to use them. Wakefield Council will not ask you for your bank details by text or e-mail."
Support Available in Other Local Authorities
While the Wakefield scheme is specific to that area, the Household Support Fund is administered by all local councils across England, with each deciding its own form of support. This means help available can vary significantly from one region to another.
For instance, Blackpool Council is offering energy bill support of £200 to eligible one or two-person households, and £300 to households with three or more people. Applicants must prove financial hardship and provide recent bank statements. The payment is made directly to the energy supplier.
Meanwhile, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council distributed £120 in vouchers to around 10,000 working-age households on Council Tax Reduction in late November. A further 6,000 pensioner households will receive the same support in early January. One-off £120 payments are also available for low-income residents who pay energy bills but do not get Council Tax Reduction.
Residents across the UK are urged to check their own local council's website to see what specific support may be available in their area through the Household Support Fund.
