FAMILIES in the Vale of Glamorgan who were previously eligible for free school meals during the summer holidays are being given a £50 voucher.

The payment is being made by the Vale council after the Welsh Government announced the scheme launched during the Covid-19 pandemic was being scrapped.

Cllr Rhianon Birch, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for education, the Welsh language, and the arts said: “Holiday payments of this type were originally introduced during the pandemic to support people at a time when large numbers were facing financial uncertainty.

“Though, thankfully, the coronavirus picture has greatly improved, many families still face challenges as the cost of living continues to rise sharply.

“We hope these payments will go a small way to easing that pressure and help some of those who have been hardest hit by recent escalating prices.”

As the cost-of-living crisis still continues, with families still struggling with rising energy costs, the council has committed funding of more than £220,000 to ensure every eligible family will receive a £50 payment directly into their bank account.