Families in Swindon will no longer receive automatic supermarket vouchers during the school holidays after a change to Government funding.
Parents and carers have been told that the Household Support Fund ended on 31st March 2026, bringing an end to the scheme which funded free school meal holiday vouchers.
Swindon Borough Council has written to families confirming that support has now moved to the Government’s new Crisis and Resilience Fund.
The previous Household Support Fund was introduced nationally during the cost of living crisis. It allowed councils to distribute financial help directly to eligible households.
In Swindon, this included supermarket vouchers for children receiving benefits-related free school meals during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.
In December 2025, eligible children were issued with £24 vouchers. Schools were also given limited discretion to provide help to other families experiencing hardship.
Under the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, which runs until March 2029, support will no longer be automatic.
Swindon Borough Council said it has been allocated £8.3 million from central government over the next three years to deliver the programme locally.
The council says the new scheme is intended to respond to immediate financial crises while also helping households build longer-term resilience.
Families must now apply for help and show they are facing hardship due to a recent crisis or unexpected change in circumstances. This could include a sudden loss of income, unexpected essential costs, or difficulty paying for food, heating or energy bills.
Successful applicants may receive a one-off crisis payment and be referred to wider support services.
Some of the funding will also be used for emergency food provision, housing-related financial support, and grants for organisations offering advice and crisis assistance in Swindon.
Kirston Nelson, Swindon Borough Council’s Corporate Director for Prevention and Communities, said:
“The Crisis and Resilience Fund will both help us to help families be financially resilient and deliver support to residents in crisis.
“I would encourage anyone who needs support, advice and guidance to reach out at the earliest possible stage so that we can deliver the help that is needed.”
Parents who are concerned about support during school holidays are being advised to speak to their child’s school, contact Citizens Advice Swindon, or apply through the council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund process.
The separate Holiday Activities and Food programme, which funds holiday clubs and meals for eligible children, will continue and is not affected by the changes.
However, families who previously received vouchers automatically will now need to submit an application and provide evidence of hardship under the revised Government framework.
