Halton Borough Council has revealed how it will help vulnerable households, children, and pensioners this winter.

It has approved a spending plan following the Government's extension of the Household Support Fund.

This fund, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, is intended to aid councils in supporting their most needy residents from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.

More than 7,000 eligible pupils in Halton, who are currently receiving free school meals, will be given free meal vouchers to support them and their families during school holidays until March 2025.

The meal vouchers, worth £12 per week, were distributed through schools for the October half term and will continue over the Christmas and spring breaks.

Vulnerable pensioners receiving council tax reduction or housing benefit will also receive a £130 award before Christmas 2024.

This support will be automatically paid into the pensioner's bank account.

The council is also encouraging pensioners to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit, which provides additional financial assistance for those over the state pension age and on a low income.

Executive board member and councillor, Mark Dennett, said: "We welcome the extension of the Household Support Fund and we are committed to ensuring we allocate the funds where they will have the most impact.

"We know winter is a particularly hard time for many people, which is why we want to do everything we can to support the people who need it most.

"If you are in need of support this winter we urge people to contact us and find more information on what help is available to them through our Cost of Living hub."

The council's cost of living hub offers information on the Household Support Fund and additional support and advice for those struggling with the current cost of living.

Residents in need of assistance are encouraged to visit the hub online to find out more about the help available to them this winter.