Vouchers on the way for low-income households this winter

"Vital" vouchers to help with the cost of everyday essentials like food and energy bills will be sent to low-income families across the Borough this winter.

The vouchers totalling £120 from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council will be delivered automatically to all households in receipt of Council Tax Reduction. 

The vouchers are exchangeable for cash at any PayPoint outlet and must be exchanged by the end of February.

In the last two weeks of November, two £60 vouchers will be distributed to approximately 10,000 working age households who receive Council Tax Reduction.

Then in the first two weeks of January, two £60 vouchers will be distributed to around 6,000 households with pensioners who receive Council Tax Reduction.

This is thanks to the latest Household Support Fund (HSF) funding from Government.

In addition to the vouchers, discretionary payments of £120 are also available for residents who are on a low income, pay energy bills and do not receive Council Tax Reduction.

Residents can check if they are eligible for this discretionary support, to help pay energy costs, through our online application process via the Household Support Fund webpage.

Funding is also being used to help supplement the Council's 'Back on Track' scheme, which offers crisis support for residents experiencing financial difficulties.

Councillor Paul Rowling, Deputy Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Resources and Transport, said: "The Household Support Fund has been vital for families around our Borough for a number of years now, so we're delighted to again offer vouchers for thousands of eligible households this winter.

"Don't forget if you receive Council Tax Reduction then there's nothing you need to do, with vouchers sent automatically.

"And of course, if you do not receive Council Tax Reduction then you may still be eligible for support by applying for a discretionary payment.

"Plus, you can also visit our 'Here to Help' hub for a range of information on benefits, advice and support available to help you and your family."

For more information on HSF, visit the Household Support Fund webpage.