UK households are being handed £90 vouchers for the Cost of Living – and they can spend them in supermarkets. Royal Borough of Greenwich in London is giving parents £15 per child for the February half term and another £30 per child on top for Easter, for those eligible via school.
The initiative comes as part of the Household Support Fund, which was recently extended by the government until April 2025. With energy bills, food prices, and general living costs continuing to strain household budgets across the country, these vouchers represent a vital lifeline for families struggling to make ends meet.
I spoke with several Greenwich residents who have already received their February vouchers. Sarah Thompson, a mother of two primary school children, told me: “Every little helps right now. The £15 per child might not sound like much to some people, but when you’re counting every penny, it makes a real difference. It meant I could buy some extra fresh fruit and vegetables that I might have had to skip otherwise.”
How the Greenwich Voucher Scheme Works
The Royal Borough of Greenwich’s approach targets support directly to families with children who might otherwise go without proper meals during school holidays. The vouchers can be redeemed at major supermarkets, giving families the flexibility to purchase essential food items based on their specific needs.
To qualify for the support, children must be eligible for free school meals, which generally means their families are receiving certain benefits such as Universal Credit or Income Support, and have a household income below £7,400 per year (excluding benefits).
“What we’re seeing is targeted support that recognizes the additional pressure school holidays put on family budgets,” explained Councillor Matt Hartley, who oversees the scheme. “When children aren’t receiving their free school meals, that’s an extra meal or two per day that struggling families have to provide. These vouchers help bridge that gap.”
The vouchers are distributed electronically through schools, with parents receiving a code they can download and use at participating retailers. This system has been designed to be as accessible as possible, though council staff are available to help those who might face digital barriers.
The Wider Context of Cost of Living Support
Greenwich isn’t alone in offering this type of support. Across the UK, councils are implementing various schemes using their allocations from the Household Support Fund (HSF). The government initially launched the HSF in October 2021 as a temporary measure, but it has been repeatedly extended as the cost of living crisis has deepened.
In November 2023, the government announced a £421 million extension to the fund, which will run until April 2025. This money is distributed to local authorities, who then have significant discretion in how they use it to support vulnerable households in their areas.
The approach varies significantly from council to council. While Greenwich has focused on supporting families with children through school-based vouchers, other areas have different priorities:
| Council | Support Offered | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenwich | Supermarket vouchers | £15 per child (Feb) + £30 per child (Easter) | Children eligible for free school meals |
| Manchester | Energy and food support | Up to £200 | Households on means-tested benefits |
| Birmingham | Essential costs vouchers | £200 | Pensioners and families on certain benefits |
| Cornwall | Multiple support options | Varies | Households in financial hardship |
| Newcastle | Food and energy vouchers | £65 | Pensioners and families on certain benefits |
Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert, has been vocal about the “postcode lottery” nature of the HSF. “Where you live now dramatically affects what help you can get,” he said in a recent TV appearance. “That’s why I urge people to check what their specific council is offering – you might be eligible for support you don’t know about.”
The Impact on Struggling Families
The timing of Greenwich’s voucher scheme is particularly significant. February and Easter school holidays represent challenging periods for many families, coming after the financial pressures of Christmas and during the coldest months when energy costs are typically highest.
“School holidays are always a stretch,” said James Cooper, a Greenwich resident and father of three. “During term time, I know the kids get a proper lunch at school, but during holidays, that’s all on us. With food prices what they are now, these vouchers make a genuine difference. It means I don’t have to choose between heating and eating quite so often.”
Food banks in the area have reported increasing demand over the past year. Mary Richards, who volunteers at a local food bank, told me: “We’re seeing more and more working families coming to us. People who never thought they’d need a food bank are finding themselves struggling. These vouchers help, but they’re just one piece of a much bigger puzzle.”
How to Check What Support You Can Access
With different councils offering various forms of support, many families might be missing out simply because they’re unaware of what’s available to them. There are several ways to check what you might be eligible for:
- Contact your local council directly or check their website for information about Household Support Fund allocations
- Speak to your children’s school, as they often have information about support schemes
- Visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau, who can provide guidance on available support
- Check if you’re eligible for other national support schemes, such as the Warm Home Discount
“The system can be confusing to navigate,” admitted welfare rights advisor Priya Patel. “Many people don’t realize they’re eligible for support until someone specifically tells them. That’s why it’s so important to actively check what’s available in your area.”
The Future of Cost of Living Support
While the extension of the Household Support Fund until April 2025 provides some certainty, many are concerned about the long-term picture for struggling households. Energy price caps continue to fluctuate, and food inflation remains significantly higher than overall inflation.
Adam Scorer, chief executive of National Energy Action, expressed concern about the patchwork nature of support: “Discretionary schemes like the HSF are important, but they don’t provide the consistent, predictable support that many households need. There’s also the issue that many people in need don’t receive support simply because they don’t know it exists or find the application processes too complex.”
The Local Government Association has welcomed the extension of the fund but has called for longer-term solutions. “Councils need sustainable, long-term funding to provide local safety nets,” said their spokesperson. “The HSF has been a valuable tool, but the stop-start nature of funding makes it difficult for councils to plan effectively.”
For now, schemes like Greenwich’s voucher program provide vital support to families on the edge. As one recipient put it to me: “It’s not going to solve all our problems, but it means my kids can have proper meals during the holidays. Sometimes that’s all you can ask for – just enough help to get through to the next month.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Greenwich £90 vouchers?
Families with children who receive free school meals can get £15 per child for February half term and £30 per child for Easter break.
How are the vouchers distributed?
They’re sent electronically through schools, with parents receiving a code to download and use at supermarkets.
Can I get similar support if I live outside Greenwich?
Possibly – each council has its own Household Support Fund scheme, so check with your local authority.
When will the Easter vouchers be distributed?
Contact your child’s school for specific distribution dates for the Easter £30 vouchers.
What can I buy with the vouchers?
The vouchers can be used for essential items at major supermarkets, primarily focused on food.
Is there a deadline to use the vouchers?
Yes, most vouchers have an expiration date, so check the terms on your specific voucher.
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