"Vital" financial support proposed for the Borough's vulnerable families this winter

Vulnerable families across the Borough will be given "vital" extra financial support under proposals from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council this winter.

Households with children who are eligible for free school meals are set to be given an £80 voucher per child to support with the cost of food in November.

And an extra £80 is set to be given in December to each working age household who have children and receive Council Tax support.

Working age households without any children who receive Council Tax support are also proposed to receive £60 during December.

There'll be no need to apply for the food vouchers as they're set to be sent to eligible families automatically.

The proposed vouchers will be funded by the Government's Household Support Fund and the Council's plans are subject to approval from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We know that families have been hit hard by the pandemic and with rising costs it was absolutely vital to come forward with this proposed financial support for those who need it most.

"Because the vouchers will be paid automatically to anyone who's eligible there'll be no need to worry about applying.

"The vouchers should provide a bit of extra peace of mind in what is set to be a very tough winter for a lot of families in our area.

"We are also proposing to use the other remaining funding to supplement the Council's 'Back on Track' scheme which supports individuals and households in crisis.

"We've been given the green light from the DWP to get on with planning our support for families and we're very much expecting approval for our proposals."