Posted on: Thursday 27 July 2023
Parents and carers of pupils who qualify for Free School Meals will automatically receive a payment of £50 per child from next week.
Torfaen's Cost of Living Summer Holiday Payment will be made into bank accounts and there is no need to apply.
The payment is available to families who qualify for Free School Meals based on a low income - this does not include those who only receive Universal Primary Free School Meals.
It follows approval of a decision by Councillor Sue Morgan, Executive Member for Resources, to support families who would have previously received the Welsh Government-funded Free School Meal Holiday Payments, which have now ended.
Council Leader Anthony Hunt said: "Following the pandemic, the Welsh Government temporarily provided financial support to families eligible for free school meals over the summer holidays.
“Those school holiday payments have ended, but we understand there are still families locally struggling with the cost of living. That is why I have announced that Torfaen Council is in the process of securing approval for cost-of -living payments of £50 per child, for families who qualify for free school meals, based on their income and circumstances.
“We hope this will provide valuable support for nearly 4,300 children, through a direct payment to parents."
The one-off cash payments are designed to help households adjust to the end of the previous Welsh Government-funded scheme. There is no intention to repeat for future school holidays.
The payments are in addition to the Food and Fun scheme provided by the council's play service, which will also provide food at various venues during the school holidays.
Find out what other support is available to help with the cost of living.