Food and fuel vouchers extended for families in Plymouth

"Many people are struggling to pay for essentials," said councillor Chris Penberthy

Families in Plymouth are to be given extra support with the cost of living this summer.

Plymouth City Council said it would spend £1.4m on food vouchers during school holidays for eligible families.

This will come from the £2.2m Household Support Fund the council expects to receive from the government.

Some of the money will help local organisations support the community, such as food and fuel vouchers given by Citizens Advice,

The Household Support Fund, provided by the Department of Work and Pensions, was due to close at the end of March but has now been extended for a further six months.

The council said the school holiday food vouchers would be for families with children eligible for Free School Meals, to the value of £13 per child, per week.

This will include the Easter holiday, May half-term and six-week summer holiday.

'Still struggling'

Councillor Chris Penberthy said the council would continue to campaign for more funding for the people of Plymouth.

"The cost of living crisis isn't going away and we know that many people are still struggling to pay for essentials like food and fuel," he said.

Around £275,000 will be distributed directly to residents by Citizens Advice Plymouth.

Eligible applicants will receive food and fuel vouchers, as well as help to buy essential household goods.

Some of the funding will be used to provide targeted support to vulnerable households, including those at risk of homelessness.

Local organisations and charities will also receive funds to help their work, including Plymouth Energy Community, which supports people on a referral basis, and foodbanks, which have seen high demand for emergency food parcels.