Stockport families to get financial support for food and utility bills this Christmas

Thousands of families across Stockport are set to receive vital support from the local council this Christmas to cover the cost of their food and utility bills.

Stockport Council confirmed that ‘families of 7,5000 school age children, who are eligible for income-based Free School Meals, will receive a £30 voucher per eligible child’ to help with essential costs over Christmas.

A further payment will also follow in the New Year.

The council has said that eligible families do not need to apply and will be contacted by email and post over the coming days and weeks.

The Council also revealed it is working with local schools and colleges to identify the vulnerable families in the area and will distribute vouchers accordingly.

Cllr Tom McGee, Deputy Leader of Stockport Council, said: “Funding secured from central Government has enabled us to offer this vital support to families and we want to help as many households as possible. We know that many of our generous businesses and residents will want to play their part in addition to what we are doing.

“The community response through COVID-19 has been amazing. Our communities have come together as One Stockport to support those most affected by the pandemic.

“In addition, our partners at Stockport County Football Club are working with Stockport’s voluntary, community and social enterprise support agency, Sector 3, to raise vital funds and this is just one of the ways people can help those who may be in need this Christmas.”

The town’s local football club launched their Food for Christmas campaign back in November – helping to provide meals for children in the Stockport area over the Christmas holidays. 

The campaign has raised more than £192,000 so far.

Mark Stott, owner of Stockport County Football Club, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership to support our community and we are asking that people can give what they can, to ensure no child goes hungry this Christmas.”

Read more about Stockport County’s Christmas campaign here.

For more information about the support being provided by Stockport Council, visit the official website.