Summary
A council in Cambridgeshire plans to extend a program that gives supermarket vouchers to families receiving free school meals during holidays. These vouchers help families with children cover food costs after a previous government grant ended. The council has allocated £1 million for this transitional support, which is expected to last until September 2026.
Key Facts
- The council wants to provide supermarket vouchers to families eligible for free school meals during holidays.
- The vouchers were valued at £15 per child per week but will now be worth £10.
- The council allocated £1 million to fund these vouchers.
- This program is considered a transitional arrangement as the council reviews free school meal eligibility.
- The vouchers will be funded by a new Crisis and Resilience Fund.
- Plans for the vouchers are only confirmed until September 2026.
- Families on Universal Credit above the £7,400 income cap will be eligible for free school meals from September 2026.
- The council is exploring other projects to continue supporting families in need beyond September.
