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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Six ways parents can keep costs low during expensive summer holidays through vouchers, clubs and freebies
Find out how you can get free food, activities and vouchers SUMMER SAVING Six ways parents can keep costs low during expensive summer holidays through vouchers, clubs and freebies Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUMMER holidays can be a financial nightmare for parents already stretched by the cost of living crisis. Across the UK, families could be spending up to £1,000 more per week once school is out. 2 Many cafes and restaurants run "kids eat free" offers during the holidays, helping to cut the cost of days out Credit: Getty And if they decide to go abroad, the average cost of a family holiday now tops £3,600. But help is out there – and there are ways to ease the burden, especially if you're on Universal Credit or a low income. Kids eat free deals In England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, families can make the most of free offers, local council schemes, and low-cost childcare this summer. Many cafes and restaurants run "kids eat free" offers during the holidays, helping to cut the cost of days out. Supermarket chains like Tesco give kids a free meal as long as you buy something from the adult menu. Asda has meals for children at just £1, and you don't need to buy anything else. Restaurant chains like Pizza Express, TGI Fridays, Franco Manca and Bill's also usually have summer deals. These offers are available to all families, not just those on benefits. Free holiday clubs Parents on low incomes can also get support from their local council through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. I've saved £15k on trips to Ibiza, Mallorca & Turkey with term time holidays - I'll never stop, fines are a tax on the working class This gives children the chance to join in with sports, music or creative clubs, and includes a nutritious meal every day for free. The support available depends on your council, but generally families with children who receive free school meals are eligible. In some areas, kids can get a place in a holiday club for the equivalent of four hours a day. Check with your local authority to see what's on offer and how to sign up. Vouchers for bills and groceries Another option for help is the Household Support Fund (HSF), which is also run by local councils. This government scheme gives struggling households access to food or energy vouchers, or direct payments. Councils across England have received a share of £742million in funding, which will run until March 2026. Many councils offer vouchers for supermarkets or energy bills, while others send money directly to residents. You usually qualify if you're on a low income, claiming benefits, or classed as vulnerable. Again, contact your council to find out what help is available. There are also handy apps that can help reduce food costs. Apps to save on food Olio is a popular option that lets households and businesses give away food they don't need. Items are offered for free, but it's often first come, first served, so you have to be quick. Another useful app is Too Good To Go. It offers surprise bags of leftover food from restaurants and shops at a discounted price. You won't know what's in the bag until you collect it, but it can be a good way to save on snacks and meals. Free or cheap days out Families on Universal Credit and other benefits can also get access to top attractions for a fraction of the usual cost. ZSL London Zoo offers £3 tickets for those on Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, or Jobseeker's Allowance – a huge saving on peak tickets which usually start at £33. How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place... BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun. 'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time. 'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.' SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen. Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules. 'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game. 'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit. 'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.' TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime. Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace. 'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours. 'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.' SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children. Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken. 'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea. 'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood. 'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.' EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier. Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather. 'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun. 'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.' Other spots such as York Castle Museum offer free entry, while you can visit Kew Gardens or one of the Historic Royal Palaces for just £1. There are even more free or discounted activities, including cinema tickets for as little as £2.50, free sports sessions and library reading challenges that offer free prizes. Childcare is another big cost for parents over summer, but there are ways to ease the pressure. Tax-Free Childcare allows working parents to save 20 per cent on childcare costs. If you've got two children in clubs for five weeks, that could be worth around £300. This support is available for children under 12, or under 17 if they have a disability. You can get up to £500 every three months – a total of £2,000 a year – per child to help with costs like nurseries and summer clubs. However, if you're on Universal Credit or receive tax credits, you must not apply for Tax-Free Childcare as it can affect your benefits. Instead, you can claim help through Universal Credit, which may cover up to 85 per cent of your childcare costs. Summer doesn't have to break the bank. From free meals and clubs to discounted trips and help with childcare, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the holidays without spending a fortune.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Supermarket vouchers worth up to £180 landing on doormats NOW for summer – are you getting one?
Families with children on free school meals are eligible HELPING HAND Supermarket vouchers worth up to £180 landing on doormats NOW for summer – are you getting one? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THOUSANDS of households need to look out for supermarket vouchers landing on doormats worth up to £180. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation figures for June confirmed food prices have soared in the last 12 months. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Cropped shot of a woman holding a basket while shopping at a grocery store Credit: Getty But there are ways to drive down the cost of your weekly shop, starting with help through the Household Support Fund (HSF). The £742million fund has been shared between councils in England who then decide how to allocate their share. Some are directing cash payments to residents in need while others are distributing supermarket vouchers to cover the summer holidays. We've rounded up what some local authorities are offering below. We won't have covered all the councils offering help, so if your local authority isn't included it's worth checking with it to see what you are eligible for. Most councils have pages on their websites dedicated to the Household Support Fund where you'll find details on who is eligible and what you're in line for. You can find what local council area you fall under by visiting That said, below are some of the councils offering qualifying households supermarket vouchers. Bracknell Forest Council Schools in Bracknell are automatically distributing supermarket vouchers to children registered for free school meals. These vouchers have been paid for through Bracknell Forest Council's allotment of the Household Support Fund. Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now The council has not confirmed how much the vouchers are worth. Wakefield Metropolitan District Counci Wakefield Metropolitan District Council is issuing supermarket vouchers worth £50 to families receiving council tax support. The vouchers are being issued via letters on July 21 and take up to seven days to arrive. Full instructions on how to redeem the vouchers will be included in the letters. Once the voucher has been redeemed, it doesn't have to be used all at once and can be used several times until it is spent. Nottingham City Council Nottingham City Council is distributing £75 supermarket vouchers to households each month until March 2026. There is a limit on the number of vouchers being shared each month meaning you have to act fast to claim one. Applications for this month's vouchers opened on July 7 so may all have been allocated for July. Nottingham City Council has said the dates applications for vouchers will open between August and next March will be confirmed "later in July". Ealing Council Ealing Council is giving supermarket vouchers worth £90 to families with children on benefits-related free school meals this month. The vouchers are worth £90 per child meaning you could get £180 if you have two kids. You don't need to apply for the vouchers as they are being sent automatically to emails or as letters. The council's partner, Blackhawk, is issuing a 16-digit personalised code and instructions on how to redeem the vouchers on the Blackhawk website - Devon County Council Devon County Council has issued supermarket vouchers worth more than £90 to 22,000 families with children on free school meals. The £90 is equivalent to £15 per week for the six week school holiday. The council has said the vouchers can be redeemed in major supermarkets but hasn't said which ones. Portsmouth City Council Portsmouth City Council is issuing £50 supermarket vouchers to children on benefits-related free school meals. You might also be eligible if your child is not on free school meals and you're on a low income, and can apply for the vouchers from the end of the school term. You can also forward your email address to the council and will be contacted when the application window opens. More details can be found via Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council Families on free school meals are eligible for supermarket food vouchers being distributed by schools in the area. You do not need to apply as they are being issued automatically. Food vouchers may also be available for children under five years if certain criteria is met. To receive a voucher, children must be living in Bournemouth, Christchurch, or Poole and meet one of the following criteria: currently claiming 2 year old early education funding at an early years setting in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole during the term currently claiming Early Years Pupil Premium funding for 3 and 4 year olds at an early years setting in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole during the term (this is different to the early education funding available to all 3 and 4 year olds) currently have an open case with a social worker or Early Help family support worker and are of pre-school age Food vouchers for this group of families have to be applied for, with more details on the BCP Council website. Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. The last round ran until the end of March 2025, but was extended. The most current round is running between April 2025 and March 2026. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Parents are getting £75 per child in free cash and Asda vouchers this week – are you eligible?
Plus, other help you can receive if you're on a low income HELPING HAND Parents are getting £75 per child in free cash and Asda vouchers this week – are you eligible? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of households will soon be able to get their hands on £75 in cash or Asda vouchers to help with the cost of living. The help comes as part of the Government's Household Support Fund, and aims to aid those who are most vulnerable. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Customers without bank accounts will receive Asda vouchers over the coming weeks Credit: Getty The scheme has been extended a number of times, with the latest round of payments running between April 2025 and March 2026. Each council in England is allocated a portion of the £742 million fund, which it then distributes to residents struggling with the rising cost of living. Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income. Thousands of households in Walsall will soon be able to benefit from the scheme, after the local council was allocated a chunk of the fund. In a statement posted on Facebook, the council stated: "This week (week commencing 15 July 2025) we will make a one-off direct payment of £75 per child to families in receipt of Council Tax Reduction. "Families will not need to apply for these payments. "This is to support families over the holiday period. There are a small number of customers without bank accounts who will receive Asda Vouchers over the coming weeks. "Where we do not hold bank details, payments will be posted to Council Tax accounts where customers can then request a refund." What if I don't live in Walsall? The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England. So, if you don't live in Walsall but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help. Disability benefit explained - what you can claim This is because the fund was originally set up to help those on low incomes or classed as vulnerable. What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers. It's worth bearing in mind, because the new round of the HSF has only just opened, you might not be able to apply for help yet. However, it's worth keeping an eye on your local council's website or social media channels. Most councils have pages on their websites dedicated to their HSF as well. You might be able to find it by typing in the name of your council then "Household Support Fund" into Google search. You may have to apply for help through the HSF or you may be contacted directly by your council. Some local authorities send letters to your home to let you know about next steps you need to take. Other help if you're on a low income It's worth checking if you're eligible for benefits if you haven't already - it could boost your bank balance by thousands of pounds a year. If you're struggling with the cost of food, check where your nearest food bank is, to help you get cupboard staples for less. The Trussell Trust has hundreds of food banks across the UK, and you can find your nearest one here - Meanwhile, if you have fallen behind on your energy bills, you might be able to get a grant to wipe any debt. British Gas and Octopus Energy, the UK's two biggest energy firms, both run schemes offering customers grants worth up to £2,000. You might be able to apply for a free grant through a local charity as well. Charity Turn2Us has a free-to-use grants search tool on its website which you can find here -
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Parents can get £2,925 cash boost during summer holidays – check if you qualify
Read below to see if you are missing out HELPING HAND Parents can get £2,925 cash boost during summer holidays – check if you qualify PARENTS could be missing out on a £2,926 cash boost during the summer holidays. There are a number of financial support schemes available to struggling households to help ease the cost of the break. Advertisement 1 Parents could be missing out on support to help ease the cost of the summer holidays That includes cash grants worth up to £500 and free days out. Take a look below to see if you're missing out. Free days out - £24 If you claim Universal Credit you and your little ones can claim cheap days out to popular attractions across the UK. For example, those claiming the benefit can visit York Castle for free. Advertisement The popular attraction allows customers to learn about the history of the city. Children in these households can also enter for no charge. Elsewhere, you can also save over £20 on a trip to Kew Gardens. People claiming Universal Credit can enter the botanic garden for just £1, saving £24 on the standard entry price. Advertisement With both of these attractions, you will need to show proof of eligibility to enter. Household support fund - £500 If you are claiming Universal Credit you can get extra support through the Household Support Fund. Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England. Every council in England has cash they can hand out to struggling families. Advertisement For example, households in West Berkshire can apply for support worth £300. And, families living in Worcestershire can apply for cost of living cash worth £500. School uniform grants - £150 Struggling parents can help ease the pressure of back-to-school costs by applying for a school uniform grant. The support also comes through the government's Household Support Fund (HSF). Advertisement How much you get depends on what year your child is in. For example, in Tower Hamlets families can get up to £150 per child. Parents with reception year children can get £50 per child. This increases to £150 per child when they reach Year 7. Advertisement Meanwhile, Medway Council, in South East England, is distributing school uniform vouchers to hard-up households worth £100. You receive £100 for every dependent school age child, per household per year, unless in exceptional circumstances. Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is a government fund which provides free food, childcare and activities to children from low income families. Your local council is responsible for administering the scheme. Advertisement This means what exactly is on offer depends on where you live. Most offer help to families with children in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, but local councils are also allowed to offer help to children outside of this group. Child benefit - £2,251.60 You can apply for child benefit all year round and it can add an extra £2,251.60 to your income each year. You get child benefit if you're responsible for bringing up a child who is under 16 or under 20 if they are in approved education or training Advertisement The payment is used to help parents cover the costs of childcare. It is paid at two weekly rates - £26.05 per week for your eldest or only child and £17.25 for any additional children. Payments are usually made every four weeks, on a Monday or Tuesday, but sometimes are made weekly. If you are claiming child benefit for a child under 12, you also receive National Insurance (NI) credits. Advertisement You can apply by visiting,
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Thousands of parents to get help with school uniform costs with grants worth up to £300
Keep scrolling to see how you can apply KITTED OUT Thousands of parents to get help with school uniform costs with grants worth up to £300 THOUSANDS of parents can get help with school uniform costs. The support comes through the government's Household Support Fund (HSF), which helps hard-up families with living costs. Advertisement 1 Parents can get support through the government's household support fund Credit: Getty The grants are available across several councils across England, and you can claim up to £300. You will need to get in touch with your council to apply. Most councils have website pages dedicated to the HSF support they offer, or you can ring your local council to find out more. You can find your local council by visiting visit Advertisement HOW MUCH SUPPORT COULD YOU GET The amount each child is entitled to varies from council to council. For example, in Tower Hamlets families can get up to £150 per child. The amount you get depends on what year your child is in. For example, parents with reception year children can get £50 per child. Advertisement This increases to £150 per child when they reach Year 7. So, if you had two children in Year 7 or above you would receive £300 to support them with school uniform costs. Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now To qualify, your annual household income must be £50,350 or less. You will need to provide the last two months of payslips for both you and your partner. Advertisement You can apply as soon as you are notified of your child's school placement until September 30 that year. Elsewhere, Sandwell residents can get £20 to put towards a school uniform for reception children or £25 for children in secondary classes. Meanwhile, Medway Council, in South East England, is distributing school uniform vouchers to hard-up households worth £100. You receive £100 for every dependent school age child, per household per year, unless in exceptional circumstances. Advertisement So, if you have two dependent children you can get £200. What about outside England? All local authorities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales offer school uniform grants, unlike in England. For example, the Welsh Government provides a school essentials grant which gives eligible parents grants worth up to £200. However, applications for this year's grants ended on May 31. Advertisement Meanwhile in Scotland, councils distribute grants of at least £120 per child for primary school pupils and £150 per child for secondary school pupils to eligible parents. You can find out more via In Northern Ireland, parents of primary school pupils could be eligible for £42.90, with £87.60 available for secondary pupils under the age of 15 on August 1, 2024, and £93.60 for pupils over 15 years of age on August 1 2024. You can find out more by visiting Advertisement
