Voucher scheme closed due to high demand reopens

The scheme allows low-income families, pensioners, and people with disabilities to apply for a voucher

A supermarket voucher scheme that was paused by a council due to too much demand has reopened.

North Northamptonshire Council said residents now had until 25 August to apply for the Household Support Fund (HSF).

Low-income families, pensioners, and people with disabilities were able to apply, with the amount handed out dependent on the size of the household.

Gregory Wilcox, Reform UK councillor and executive member for communities at the authority, said: "This fund is designed to reach those who need a helping hand and it is great news that we are now in a position to reopen for applications."

The scheme had been paused since the middle of last month due to a large number of people applying since it started on 23 June.

The vouchers were funded by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

A single person could apply for a £150 voucher, a two-person household for £260 and a household with three people for £320.

The council said the scheme would close during September and then reopen on 1 October.