Council opens food voucher scheme for summer

Kent County Council said that eligible residents would receive a one-off payment of £90

A council has opened a food voucher scheme to help families struggling to pay bills afford food this summer.

Kent County Council (KCC) said that eligible residents for the summer food voucher support scheme would receive a one-off payment of £90 to use towards food shopping costs.

Applications are open until 26 August, with the funds, which come from the Household Support Fund (HSF), served on a first come, first served basis.

The council confirmed families who received free school meals were not eligible to apply for the scheme, as they were already supported through their child's school with funding from the HSF.

The funding comes from the Department for Work and Pensions and is administered by the KCC's Financial Hardship team.

Organisations such as Citizens Advice, NHS trusts and housing associations are referring people into the scheme, according to KCC.

The authority said that a winter support scheme would follow later in the year.

Applicants will have the option to choose between energy or food vouchers, or a combination of both.

KCC leader Linden Kemkaran said: "This funding is for those in need and for those who are struggling with rising living costs.

"Applicants are reminded that this is taxpayers' money, so please spend it wisely on food and essential household items only."