1. How many grants have been given out to support families with energy costs and other essentials?
Through the Covid Winter Grant and Covid Local Support Grant we have supplied 494 direct grants to families to support energy costs and other essentials. In addition we have provided £2,000 to the Wokingham Foodbank to distribute fuel vouchers to vulnerable families. Note that these figures do not include payments made to families and care leavers for food/groceries, or free school meal vouchers which were also funded through these grant funds.

2. What was the average grant provided to families in need of help with energy bills?
£116. Families were offered grants to cover a 4 week period. Families were then able to apply for support for a further 4 week period if needed.

3. What was the maximum amount provided to a family?
£400 to cover a 4 week period.

4. What has been the average amount paid out for other essentials
£1587. We provided 4 grants for boiler or roof repairs.

5. What the criteria for receiving a grant for energy bills/essentials is
We worked closely with Citizens Advice Wokingham to assess eligibility for grant support. Families completed a simple application form for support which was then followed up by Citizens Advice Wokingham staff who are experienced in assessing need. Families were asked to send evidence of fuel bills, provide a breakdown of their budget, and supply other evidence as necessary. Grants were determined on a case by case basis, tailored to the individual needs of each family.

6.What provisions does the council have in place for the holiday activities and food programme?
Wokingham has a variety of provisions in place over the Summer holidays tailored to the needs of Primary and Secondary-aged children and young people, and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. All provide a variety of enriching activities, education on healthy living and eating, and a healthy meal. In addition, we are providing FSM vouchers for all children in receipt of benefits-related free school meals to cover all 6 weeks of the Summer break, funded through an extension to the Covid Local Support Grant.