Thousands of Peterborough and Cambridgeshire residents facing challenges in pandemic given support from council

More than 32,000 children and young people received support either individually or through their families as part of Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council’s winter grants scheme.

Both councils have been working with other organisations such as District Councils and Citizens Advice to support people whose lives have become more difficult because of COVID-19.

The winter grants scheme supports families and individuals experiencing immediate financial hardship with access to food and essential supplies over the Christmas period and beyond.

This support is being offered in two ways – as a direct food voucher scheme or as extra support for vulnerable families and individuals.

306 households have been supported with emergency food

578 emergency fuel vouchers have been issued

133 families have been able to go to their local library to collect personal hygiene products

9 replacement household appliances have been provided for emergency situations or medical reasons 

This is in addition to nearly 65,000 supermarket vouchers handed out to eligible families and children struggling in the run-up to Christmas.

Vouchers worth £15 per child per week were issued during the Christmas holiday to families meeting the low-income criteria, and the same families will automatically receive further vouchers in the February half term.

Cllr Steve Criswell, Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities and Partnership Committee, added: “Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make this scheme accessible. It has played an invaluable part of strengthening our sense of community cohesion across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.”

Cllr Irene Walsh, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities said: “This admirable initiative will have helped to reduce worry for many families this winter and I am delighted that we have been able to be part of that.”

Cllr Simon Bywater, Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children and Young People Committee said: “The welfare of our residents has always been our top priority and I am delighted that so many have been able to take advantage of the excellent winter grants scheme.”

Cllr Lynne Ayres, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Educations, Skills and the University said: “Thanks to the funding from the Government and the hard work from officers from both authorities in a short space of time, we have been able to offer this essential help, and at a time when families need it most.”