Derby City Council is urging residents to check the dates on their support vouchers to make sure they still have time to redeem them. The authority has so far helped thousands of low-income households in Derby, distributing £2.3m in vouchers through the Household Support Fund, including:
- £475k to 4,500 households through online applications - average of £105 per household
- £750k to 6,500 pensioner households - £115 per household
- £1.1m to households with children - £95 per child
90% of all vouchers have now been redeemed. People who have not redeemed their vouchers are being encouraged to check the expiry date and redeem them as soon as possible.
Vouchers can be redeemed at any combination of the supermarket chains:
- Aldi
- Asda
- Farmfoods
- Iceland
- Marks and Spencer
- Morriso
- Sainsbury's
- Tesco
- Waitrose.
The goods you purchase using the vouchers will hopefully release some household income to spend on other items such as cost of heating.
The scheme was introduced by the government in October 2021 to help vulnerable households with the rising cost of living. The fund was given to councils to distribute to those who need it most, through small payments to help with food, clothing, and utility costs.
Derby City Council identified people who could benefit from the support through referrals from trusted partner organisations, online applications and local knowledge, including children entitled to free school meals and pensioners receiving Council Tax Support.
Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, said:
The Household Support Fund has been a lifeline for so many people this last year. Now the scheme has ended, Derby City Council are working hard alongside partner organisations in the city to make sure people know what other help and support is available for people if they are struggling.
Earlier in the year, the Council set up a whole city approach to supporting our citizens, made up of key partners from the Council, Health, DWP, voluntary and community sector. You can find more support and advice on the cost of living here.
A new cost of living online hub has been created to offer as much information as possible to those in Derby who may need it during this time. A phone number has also been launched, to support those who would like to access free advice. You can call 01332 346266 Monday to Friday between 9:30am and 4pm to speak to a member of the Community Action Derby team.