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For the summer holiday, Bedford Borough Council will continue to provide supermarket vouchers to thousands of families who are entitled to income related free school meals.

Over 7000 children in the Borough will benefit as vouchers will be issued for the holiday period. The vouchers are provided through the Household Support Fund, which is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Cllr Graeme Coombes, Portfolio Holder for Portfolio Holder for Finance, Risk and Welfare said, “We’re proud to place families at the heart of everything we do, which is why we’re pleased to announce that over the summer holidays, we’ll once again be providing food vouchers to those who are eligible for income-related free school meals.

“This initiative will offer timely relief for families, helping to ease the financial strain that many people experience over the holidays and making sure that no child or young person is left without access to a healthy, nutritious meal.”

Children are eligible for the vouchers if their family receives one of the benefits listed below and have applied for free school meals:

• Universal Credit - with an annual earned income of no more than £7,400 after tax

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

• Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual gross income of no more than £16,190

• Early Years Pupil Premium

• Two Year Old Funding

Families with eligible children will receive their vouchers as they have previously, via an email or through their school or setting’s usual distribution process.

The Council and Bedford Borough schools are encouraging more families to register and apply for free school meals, so that they begin to receive the support they need.

To find out if you are eligible and to register for free school meals visit www.bedford.gov.uk/schools-education-and-childcare/education-welfare-service/free-school-meals/

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