Thousands of hard-up families across Rochdale are to get help with their food and utility bills this Christmas

Rochdale Council has been allocated nearly £940,000 from the government’s Covid Winter Grant Scheme fund.

In a bid to help those most in need it will be sending out £448,000 of vouchers to support families over the festive season – with more to follow before the February half-term.

The £40 vouchers will support more than 11,000 children in the borough who qualify for free school meals or are currently being supported by children’s services.

Care leavers will also receive a voucher.

Vouchers will be sent in the post from the council, families do not need to contact schools.

Council leader Allen Brett, said the authority would do all it could to help those struggling over the winter months.

He said: “This is much needed funding for families that are going through a tough time. I’m proud of the support we’re giving them and our wider offer.”

The authority has previously spent £500,000 on Aldi vouchers to top up youngsters on free-school meals, as well as £140,000 October half term vouchers.

Councillor Brett added: “We will keep fighting for fairer funding from government. Grants like this will go some way to supporting our families, but I’m committed to fighting for more for them.”

The council will also plough £120,000 into its Household Assistance Fund to provide vouchers and other financial support for struggling households.

A further £96,000 is to be invested in the voluntary sector through the Food Solutions Network, which includes more than 20 organisations.

This will help buy food for the Community Warehouse and provide winter care packages – including cleaning packs, essential toiletries and nappies – to support households in need.

And £3,000 will fund the now well-established Fit and Feed programme, so it can run in the February half term.

Struggling families can also access a new food club run by the council and the charity Family Action.

Councillor Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It is vital that we get this funding to families who need it and we hope that our package of support goes some way to easing some financial pressures before Christmas. 

“I hope it’s a comfort to our families who need an extra helping hand to know what’s coming up this year and next.”

As well as help with food and bills, the council is also offering a ‘wide package’ of support to families who need a bit of extra support – covering everything to problems with children’s behaviour to mental health issues.

For more information visit rochdale.gov.uk/earlyhelp or phone the early help team on 0300 303 8801.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter