Energy vouchers return for eligible Stockport residents

The vouchers will be distributed to eligible households from 11th July over a two week period. The energy vouchers are funded by the Department for Work & Pensions Household Support Grant and are in addition to the cost of living payments announced by government on 26 May and the council tax energy rebate and council cost of living rebate schemes.

Households in Stockport are eligible if they receive local council tax support and/or housing benefit as paid by Stockport Council. A member of the household must also fall into one of the following categories:

• A person who has reached state pension age by 30th September 2022
• Working-age households with no dependants
• Working-age households with dependants who have not already been supported through the council’s income-based free school meal voucher scheme (Holiday Support Vouchers).

The value of the voucher differs depending on the eligibility criteria a resident meets. There will be one voucher distributed per household.

Councillor Malcolm Allan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources at Stockport Council, commented: “We know this is a really tough time for our residents, as the cost of living continues to increase. The council is trying to support as many residents as possible through this period. We hope this energy voucher scheme will help towards the rising cost of energy bills for our most vulnerable households in Stockport. This scheme is in addition to our Holiday Support Vouchers programme, which helps with the cost of food this summer for those families with children in receipt of income-based free school meals."

Vouchers will be sent by post to eligible households: there is no need to apply. Once it arrives, the voucher should be taken to your local Post Office where it can be exchanged for the cash value.

To find out more about the scheme, including what to do if you are having trouble redeeming your voucher or if you think you’re eligible but haven’t received yours, visit https://www.stockport.gov.uk/hesv.

The energy vouchers scheme is just one of the avenues of support available for families this summer. Families in receipt of income-based free school meals should be eligible for a Holiday Support Voucher to help with the cost of food and other essentials during the school holidays. Find more information on the Stockport Council website.

The Holiday Activity and Food programme also returns this summer, offering free childcare places to those in receipt of income-based free school meals.
If you are not eligible for these schemes but need help, contact:

Citizens Advice Stockport (0808 2787803) – offer free, confidential, independent, and impartial advice and information on a range of matters including money and debt; welfare benefits; housing; employment; relationships and family.

Stockport Council Support Funds – if you are experiencing financial crisis visit the financial support in a crisis webpage for more information and to apply for support.