Voucher scheme extended to help Nottingham residents with bills

A scheme to provide extra financial support to residents for food and energy bills this winter is being extended by Nottingham City Council.

Funded through the government’s Household Support Grant, more than £1.5m is being pledged towards a package of vouchers for residents who receive Council Tax Support.

The first wave of vouchers was given away in December and saw more than 7,500 people benefit from £100 supermarket vouchers and 4,000 claim energy vouchers worth £49.

The second wave of the campaign will over £50 supermarket e-vouchers and two energy bill e-vouchers worth £98.

Free School Meal holiday e-vouchers (worth £15 per pupil per week) are also being made available through schools.

Cllr Sam Webster, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, said: ‘Everyone is worried about the rising cost of living and soaring energy bills – but these hard times are felt most keenly by those who are already struggling to cope.

‘I’m pleased that so many people came forwards to claim the vouchers towards their food and heating bills in December. This may help, in some small part, to alleviate the anxiety they are feeling around their finances.

‘While I would urge people to come forward for this new wave of vouchers, we need sustainable solutions which give people opportunities to lift themselves out of poverty and keep pace with the rising cost of living. Temporary support grants are welcome but a more sustainable solution must be found to tackle inequality in the longer term.’

The vouchers will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, with people who successfully applied for a £49 energy voucher in December automatically getting another £49 voucher in this round of applications.

The second allocation of e-vouchers will end at midnight on 31 March 2022.

Photo by Imants Kaziļuns