Vouchers on the way for low-income households this summer

Extra help with the cost of living is on the way for low-income households across the Stockton-on-Tees Borough from next week.

The support from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council for more than 17,000 households will be distributed across the summer.

And from Monday (June 19), working age households eligible for Council Tax Reduction will be sent an £80 voucher to help with energy costs.

The vouchers, which can be exchanged for cash, will be distributed by Friday, June 30.

In late July, residents who are pensionable age and eligible for Council Tax Reduction will be sent an £80 voucher.

Discretionary payments will also be available for low-income households who do not get Council Tax reduction and do not receive the Government's cost of living support payments. To check if you're eligible for this support, you can use the online application form., which will go live at 10am on Monday (June 19).

The funding from the Government's Household Support Fund (HSF) will also be used to provide support for care leavers and residents accessing the Council's Back on Track scheme.

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We are once again using the funding available to support as many people in the Borough as possible - and helping residents with the cost of living remains a top priority.

"The vouchers will be sent automatically, so if you receive Council Tax Reduction then there is no need to apply. The distribution will be staggered to ensure that PayPoint outlets can better manage demand, as we know some residents have had problems redeeming vouchers previously.

"And of course if you're not receiving Council Tax Reduction then you could still access support by applying for help or accessing the Council's Back on Track scheme, which provides help in a crisis.

"We are also using the funding from the Department of Work and Pensions to support the local food hub initiative, which is ran by the Council's Fairer Stockton-on-Tees  team.

"Plus you can visit our cost of living support page to find out more on the range of benefits, support and advice which is available.

To find out more on the Household Support Fund, visit the dedicated Household Support Fund web page.

You can also email hsf@stockton.gov.uk to find out more information.