Vouchers to help Hampshire residents struggling with cost of living

FOOD vouchers are being offered to Hampshire residents who are struggling with the cost of living.

Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions’ household support fund, £30 available as a one-off to anyone who is receiving council tax support.

A one-off £65 voucher will be made available to pensioners in receipt of local council tax support and pension credit or guaranteed credit.

Cllr Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for children’s services, said: “At a time when there is increasing financial pressure on household finances, I’m pleased that the government has enabled us to extend how we use our household support funding to help more people facing hardship, including pensioners as well as families with children.

“Together with the supportive measures already in place, I hope these vouchers will provide those in need with welcome additional financial help.”

Those eligible for the vouchers will be contacted by New Forest District Council, which is distributing them locally.

HCC has also made £365,000 available for community grants to support other projects helping vulnerable families and pensioners with their food and energy bills.

They include Meet and Eat a support group in the New Forest where families can learn to cook a healthy meal for free.

Other measures being funded by the grants include community pantries, utility vouchers and emergency housing support.

Residents can search for their local pantry on the connect4communities website.

Visit www.connect4communities.org or email connect4communities@hants.gov.uk