Changes to holiday support for families
From April 2026 schools will no longer be provided with funding to provide vouchers for school holidays for parents/carers of students in receipt of free school meals. Support is continuing. However, the way support is accessed will change from April 2026 and families will be supported to apply through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Message from Cheshire West and Chester Council:
From April 2026, families who need help will be supported to apply through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
There is nothing families need to do at this stage. The Council will share clear information ahead of April about how to apply and what support is available.
If you need help now, cost of living advice and support is available through the Council website.
Benefits Calculator
You may not be receiving all the financial support you’re entitled to. Please see the link below to the Cheshire West and Chester Council online benefits calculator. This can quickly show whether you could claim extra help.
https://benefits.inbest.ai/cheshirewestandchester
Before you start, make sure you have some accurate information to hand about your:
- Savings
- Income, including your partner’s (from payslips, for example)
- Existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
- Outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
- Council Tax bill
Please also find below leaflets providing information about Healthy Start and some of the other support available to residents of Cheshire West and Chester.
