The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a major extension to a key cost of living support scheme, offering direct help to vulnerable households in one English region.
Fund Extension and Local Allocation
The DWP will extend the Household Support Fund for a full 12 months, from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. This national decision has allowed local authorities to plan further support for their residents. In Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Council has been allocated a further £2.669 million from the fund to administer local aid.
It is important to note that this latest funding allocation represents a reduction compared to the amount provided for the previous 12-month period. Despite this, the council has outlined specific plans to target the money where it is needed most.
Direct Support for Pensioners and Families
The local authority has announced a two-pronged approach to distributing the vital funds. Alongside an application-based scheme for residents in need, the council will make automatic awards to specific groups.
In January 2026, the council will issue one £85 supermarket voucher per household to state pension-age residents who also receive Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction. The council has stated it will contact all qualifying residents directly with clear instructions on how to redeem their voucher.
Furthermore, the funding will ensure the continuation of a crucial scheme supporting families with children during school holidays. The council will provide food vouchers for eligible children across multiple holiday periods in 2025 and 2026.
School Holiday Voucher Schedule
The support for children entitled to income-related Free School Meals, Pupil Premium, or similar benefits will be issued as supermarket vouchers according to the following schedule:
- Easter 2025: £15 per eligible child per week (£30 total for the two-week holiday).
- May 2025 half-term: £10 per eligible child.
- Summer 2025: £10 per eligible child per week (£60 total for the six-week holiday).
- October 2025 half-term: £10 per eligible child.
- Christmas 2025: £10 per eligible child per week (£20 total for the two-week holiday).
- February 2026 half-term: £10 per eligible child.
- Easter 2026: £10 per eligible child per week (£20 total for the two-week holiday).
The council reiterated that it will contact qualifying families directly with redemption details, ensuring a smooth process for those receiving the support.
A Lifeline Amid Ongoing Pressures
This announcement provides certainty for low-income pensioners and families in Telford and Wrekin, offering a tangible lifeline to help manage essential food costs. The targeted approach aims to direct resources to those deemed most vulnerable to the ongoing cost of living pressures.
While the overall fund is reduced, the continuation of both the pensioner voucher and the structured school holiday support scheme will be welcomed by many local households. Residents who believe they may be eligible but are not contacted are likely advised to check the council's official website or contact their local authority for guidance on the application-based element of the Household Support Fund.
