THE council has confirmed it will not be using government cash to fund supermarket meal vouchers for schools during half term, but will be funding picnics to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Families with children who are entitled to free school meals have previously been eligible for the vouchers during the holidays. But parents have received letters stating that they would not be available this half term, with money received by the council from the government’s household support fund being allocated to other food projects throughout Cheshire West and Chester instead.

More than half the money had previously been ring-fenced by the council for schools. But councillor Robert Cernik, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said that after receiving government guidance on the latest round of funding, the council has been working with the Welcome Network, Poverty Truth Advisory Board, including residents with experience of financial hardship, and other organisations on proposals for how it could allocate the temporary funds.

He said the changes to guidance meant it had had to ‘carefully consider’ how the council could help the temporary funds reach as many residents as possible.

He said: “The council isn’t in a position to provide funding for supermarket vouchers to schools during May half-term in part because of the change in guidance, but support will continue to be available for fuel, food and other emergencies through the Council’s Help in Emergency scheme.”

Groups that have received funding for May half-term are:

  • Rudheath and Witton Together – recipe bags for picnic lunches
  • Blacon Beacon – Jubilee picnic lunch
  • Chester Cathedral – ingredients and recipes for two slow cooker meals and two sandwich lunches
  • Friends of Lache – picnic lunch for an activity day to celebrate the Jubilee
  • GGO Community Group – food for Jubilee event
  • Soul Kitchen – food packs for children and families in temporary accommodation
  • Elton Community Centre – vouchers for food for families to use at Jubilee Day
  • Save the Family – Jubilee picnic and packed lunches for the children for the week
  • Westminster Families – Wezzy Wednesdays lunch for children and families who are a part of Westminster Families Community Group

Cllr Cernik added: “The council’s plans are well underway for a significant Holiday Activity Fund programme this summer, incorporating the Household Support Fund.

“This will be used to provide supermarket vouchers to those receiving free school meals during the summer break, as well as maximising the wider reach of the Household Support Fund for residents who need it.”

The Help in Emergency scheme is available throughout the whole of half-term week for those who need it, including the two bank holidays, between 9am to 5pm. The scheme can be contacted by phone on: 0300 123 7065 or email at: help@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.