We recognise the importance of these vouchers to families but, given the financial pressures facing local authorities, we simply don’t have the budget to fund this support ourselves.

We have been lobbying Government for Household Support Fund to be made permanent, and the matter has also been raised by our elected members at meetings of full council.

However, the Government has not indicated any extension of the funding arrangements, and this means the current food vouchers will not be provided for future school holidays after this summer.

Newcastle City Council is working with its partners across the city to increase the provision of activities, which provide food where possible, to help alleviate the impact of this on children and families.

Please visit Cost of living support | Newcastle City Council to find details of other support you may be entitled to.

Please visit Best Ever - Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme | Newcastle Support Directory for details of the free Healthy Activities with Food sessions available.