Changes Announced to Free School Meal Holiday Voucher Support in Bath and North East Somerset

Families in Bath and North East Somerset are being advised of changes to the way free school meal holiday vouchers will be provided from later this year.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has confirmed that vouchers will continue through the summer school holidays, after which support will move to a more targeted system focused on households facing financial hardship.

The council says the change is not a withdrawal of support, but a change in how assistance is delivered, with a greater focus on helping families build longer term financial resilience.

The holiday vouchers are funded through the UK Government-backed Crisis & Resilience Fund, which was introduced as a short term response to financial hardship. The council says Government rules linked to the funding do not allow for permanent universal voucher schemes.

Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, said the aim is to ensure support remains “targeted, fair and sustainable” within the rules attached to the funding received.

Under the revised approach, families experiencing financial difficulty will still be able to apply for crisis support through the Crisis & Resilience Fund. Where possible, payments will be made in cash rather than vouchers to give households greater flexibility.

The council’s Welfare Support team will also continue helping residents with essential costs, including food support through the existing Local Welfare Provision scheme.

Alongside direct financial help, the council says it will work with local partners to provide practical budgeting support, debt advice and guidance aimed at helping households improve long term financial stability.

Further information about the changes and available support can be found on the Bath & North East Somerset Council website.