Help for thousands of Leicestershire families struggling with the rising cost of living

Households can apply for help with soaring food and energy bills.

Leicestershire County Council has allocated £3.6 million to specifically help people who are struggling with rising costs.

Half of the sum will be spent supporting families with children and the rest to other homes needing support this winter.

14,000 eligible county children will receive a school meal voucher so their parents and carers can buy £15 worth of food for the February half-term.

Deborah Taylor, County Council Deputy Leader, said: "Many families are facing a cost of living crisis and need help with the essentials. That’s why this council is once again stepping up to the plate providing assistance to hard-pressed families most in need, in the form of vouchers for free school meals and help with heating.

"Food is more expensive, energy is frighteningly costly and yes, people will face higher council tax bills from April so vital public services for the most vulnerable people can be afforded. But there is some support available from the council, via the Government, which we hope will mitigate some of the pain."

Struggling eligible households can apply for food vouchers worth £40 per adult and £30 per child with single households potentially being able to access £50 vouchers.

Fuel vouchers are also available – worth £49 to family households and £28 for people who live alone.

More information is available on the council’s Household Support fund web pages.