In Sandwell, a borough repeatedly ranked among the most deprived in England, local government has unveiled a new package of assistance designed to provide immediate relief to households in need.
The programme aims to ease the financial burden of summer for families and individuals by offering direct aid and strengthening essential community services.
Targeted Aid to Help Families Through School Break
One of England’s most deprived boroughs, Sandwell, has announced renewed cost-of-living support for low-income households during the summer holidays. Families whose children are eligible for Free School Meals will receive £130 worth of food vouchers per child, aimed at alleviating financial strain during the school break.
The support, funded through the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF), forms part of a broader package to assist residents facing rising living costs.
This includes additional funding for emergency needs, such as travel costs, utility bills, and essential household goods. The scheme will operate throughout July and August, a time when many families experience increased expenses with children at home.
According to Sandwell Council, the initiative reflects a focused effort to “put money directly into the pockets of people struggling the most,” as explained by Council Leader Councillor Kerrie Carmichael. The council emphasised that residents should seek help early to prevent more serious financial hardship later.
Additional Funds to Support Local Crisis Services and Food Banks
Beyond the food vouchers for schoolchildren, a portion of the funding will also bolster local support services.
According to Deputy Leader Councillor Paul Moore, the funding is targeted “to those who need it the most,” reinforcing the borough’s strategy of immediate, localised assistance. The council’s Supporting Sandwell information hub is also being promoted as a first point of contact for residents seeking advice or access to services.
Sandwell, which includes towns such as West Bromwich, Oldbury and Smethwick, is consistently ranked among the most deprived areas in the UK, according to national indices. This latest initiative reflects an ongoing attempt by local authorities to address the disproportionate effects of the cost-of-living crisis on vulnerable communities.
Council leaders have reiterated their commitment to a practical, responsive approach—directing resources where they are most urgently required, without delay. The funding is expected to offer short-term relief while contributing to a broader social safety net for the borough’s residents.
