Vulnerable households in Nottingham are set to receive a fresh wave of financial support this winter, as the local council announces a new round of £100 supermarket vouchers. The initiative, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Labour government, is part of the ongoing Household Support Fund.
Fair Chance for All Applicants
In a significant shift from previous schemes, the vouchers will no longer be allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis. Nottingham City Council has confirmed that every eligible resident who applies within the designated window will have an equal opportunity to receive help. This move is designed to create a fairer system and reduce the pressure on applicants to apply the moment the portal opens.
The council stated: "Vouchers are no longer awarded on a first come first served basis. All residents will receive an equal chance of receiving a voucher if they apply during the application period." Successful applicants will be chosen at random once the application period has closed.
Key Dates and Application Details
The application window for this latest tranche of support is strictly from 1 December to 7 December 2025. The council is making 10,000 vouchers, each worth £100, available for struggling residents. Importantly, households that received a voucher in the previous round starting in April 2025 are still eligible to apply again for this new support.
Residents will be notified of the outcome via email by Friday, 12th December. Due to the high volume of applications expected, the council has asked for patience, advising that successful applicants should not contact them to enquire about voucher delivery until after 1st February 2026. All vouchers from this December release must be used by 28th February 2026.
Improved Access and Support
The local authority says it has improved the application process for both supermarket and energy vouchers to enable more people to apply. For those who find the online system challenging, the council recommends seeking help from family or friends first, or contacting local community organisations for assistance.
This £1 million injection of support underscores the continuing pressure from the cost of living crisis, particularly as winter sets in. The random selection process aims to ensure a equitable distribution of this crucial aid, providing a lifeline for thousands of Nottingham families during the coldest months of the year.
