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  • Summer holiday support is available for families

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    Families who receive Free School Meals and need help with essential food costs during the summer holidays can apply for support through the Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).

    Applications for summer holiday payments will open on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 and close on Monday, 31 August 2026.

    You can apply online:

    https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living/crisis-and-resilience-fund/school-holiday-support-payment



    Changes to the CRF from September 2026

    The Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced the Household Support Fund in April 2026. It ensures that financial support is available for families who need it and gives longer term support to boost income and manage debt.

    To support families during

    Families who receive Free School Meals and need help with essential food costs during the summer holidays can apply for support through the Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).

    Applications for summer holiday payments will open on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 and close on Monday, 31 August 2026.

    You can apply online:

    https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living/crisis-and-resilience-fund/school-holiday-support-payment



    Changes to the CRF from September 2026

    The Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced the Household Support Fund in April 2026. It ensures that financial support is available for families who need it and gives longer term support to boost income and manage debt.

    To support families during the transition to the Crisis and Resilience Fund, so far payments have been awarded to all applicants who were in receipt of FSM and provided requested evidence. The same approach will apply during the summer holidays.

    From September 2026, however, the Crisis and Resilience Fund will solely be there to help people who experience an unexpected financial crisis. Applicants will need to explain the financial shock they have experienced and how this has placed them in crisis.



    Expanded Free School Meal eligibility from September 2026

    From September 2026, all pupils in households receiving Universal Credit will become entitled to free school meals.

    Pupils who already qualify because their household earnings are £7,400 or less will continue to qualify. The change will extend entitlement to more families, meaning more children will be able to apply to receive Free School Meals.

    To find out more, visit:

    https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/education-and-learning/free-school-meals



    Not just school holidays

    If you aren’t in receipt of Free School Meals, the Crisis and Resilience Fund can still help you with various costs. Visit the webpage for more information about support with:

  • More families eligible for Free School Meals from September 2026

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    From September 2026, families who receive Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals (FSM). Although they will be automatically eligible, families will still need to apply to receive the FSM.

    To apply for free school meals, go to the Council’s website. You will need your National Insurance number:

    https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/education-and-learning/free-school-meals


    Types of Free School Meals

    From September 2026, there will be three types of FSM:

    • Free school meals (Universal Credit): most families receiving Universal Credit – application required
    • Targeted free school meals: Pupil Premium for families with lower earned incomes (under £7,400) – application required
    • Universal infant free school meals

    From September 2026, families who receive Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals (FSM). Although they will be automatically eligible, families will still need to apply to receive the FSM.

    To apply for free school meals, go to the Council’s website. You will need your National Insurance number:

    https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/education-and-learning/free-school-meals


    Types of Free School Meals

    From September 2026, there will be three types of FSM:

    • Free school meals (Universal Credit): most families receiving Universal Credit – application required
    • Targeted free school meals: Pupil Premium for families with lower earned incomes (under £7,400) – application required
    • Universal infant free school meals: available to all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 – no application required.


    Changes to current protections

    Some children currently receive free school meals under temporary ‘transitional protection,’ even if they are not eligible under the new criteria. This is due to end at the end of the 2025/26 school year. If you think these changes might affect you, we encourage you to check your eligibility as soon as possible.


    Read more about the changes:

    https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2025/06/expanding-free-school-meals-what-parents-need-to-know/


    More information on the Council webpage:

    https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/education-and-learning/free-school-meals

  • Financial support available from the Crisis and Resilience Fund

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    You can apply for the new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) from 1 April 2026 if you need financial support. It replaces the Household Support Fund (HSF), ensuring that support is still available.

    The new fund will help residents who suddenly find themselves in a financial crisis, and it will also give longer‑term support to boost income and manage debt so that people feel more confident and secure when unexpected money problems arise.

    More information, and how to apply, can be found on the Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund webpage. There is lots of information available, so please ensure you

    You can apply for the new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) from 1 April 2026 if you need financial support. It replaces the Household Support Fund (HSF), ensuring that support is still available.

    The new fund will help residents who suddenly find themselves in a financial crisis, and it will also give longer‑term support to boost income and manage debt so that people feel more confident and secure when unexpected money problems arise.

    More information, and how to apply, can be found on the Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund webpage. There is lots of information available, so please ensure you read it all before applying:

    Crisis and Resilience Fund | Cheshire West and Chester Council


    Families receiving Free School Meals

    Families receiving Free School Meals, who previously got automatic payments during the school holidays (as part of the Household Support Fund), will now need to apply to the Crisis and Resilience fund if they need help during a financial crisis.

    For more information about Free School Meals, visit: Free school meals | Cheshire West and Chester Council

    While the Council will process applications as quickly as possible, we cannot guarantee that payments will be made before the Easter period, particularly if there is a high volume of requests.


    Other support available

  • New payment rates for Healthy Start

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    If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years old, you could get help to buy milk, fruit and vegetables from the NHS Healthy Start scheme.

    The scheme aims to help pregnant women and families to cope with the rising cost of living and promotes healthy development and growth.

    From April 2026, the payment rates will increase:

    • From £4.25 to £4.65 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week
    • From £8.50 to £9.30 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
    • From £4.25 to £4.65 each week for children between 1 and

    If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years old, you could get help to buy milk, fruit and vegetables from the NHS Healthy Start scheme.

    The scheme aims to help pregnant women and families to cope with the rising cost of living and promotes healthy development and growth.

    From April 2026, the payment rates will increase:

    • From £4.25 to £4.65 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week
    • From £8.50 to £9.30 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
    • From £4.25 to £4.65 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old

    You do not need to do anything – the increase will be automatic.


    For more information about the NHS Healthy Start scheme, please visit the NHS website:

    NHS Healthy Start scheme rules – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)

    You can apply for Healthy Start here:

    Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start) - NHSBSA

  • Changes to make school uniforms more affordable

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    Changes to uniform guidance for schools from September 2026 will help to make uniforms more affordable for parents and carers.

    The updates to the UK Children and Wellbeing Schools Bill aim to cut over £70 million from the cost of uniforms for families across the UK. Some of the changes which will help to make uniforms cheaper for families from September 2026 include:

    • Limiting the number of compulsory branded items in uniforms and PE kits
    • Schools updating their uniform policies so that they can be easily found and understood on their websites.

    To read the updated statutory guidance on the

    Changes to uniform guidance for schools from September 2026 will help to make uniforms more affordable for parents and carers.

    The updates to the UK Children and Wellbeing Schools Bill aim to cut over £70 million from the cost of uniforms for families across the UK. Some of the changes which will help to make uniforms cheaper for families from September 2026 include:

    • Limiting the number of compulsory branded items in uniforms and PE kits
    • Schools updating their uniform policies so that they can be easily found and understood on their websites.

    To read the updated statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms, please visit the Government website:

    Cost of school uniforms - GOV.UK.


    The Council's approach

    Everyone in full time education should have equal opportunity and access to the things they need to fully participate in school life. Please contact your school directly to see if they can provide any help for families, such as a uniform exchange scheme.

    The Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund is available for any families who need help with a sudden or unexpected financial crisis. You can apply for the Crisis and Resilience Fund from 1 April 2026:

    Crisis and Resilience Fund | Cheshire West and Chester Council


    Help with school uniforms in Cheshire West

    If you’ve just got your school place, you might be starting to think about school uniforms. There are several local charities who can help with pre-loved school uniforms:

  • Removal of the two-child limit on Universal Credit

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    From April 2026, families with more than two children who receive Universal Credit and Tax Credits will be able to claim an additional amount for their third – and subsequent - children.

    This change will come into effect in April 2026. Families should expect this additional payment for their third (and further) children in the first Universal Credit payment after this date.


    For more information, please visit the government website:

    Removing the two-child limit on Universal Credit: Impact on low income poverty levels in the United Kingdom - GOV.UK

    You can also read more on MoneyHelper:

    The two-child benefit limit

    From April 2026, families with more than two children who receive Universal Credit and Tax Credits will be able to claim an additional amount for their third – and subsequent - children.

    This change will come into effect in April 2026. Families should expect this additional payment for their third (and further) children in the first Universal Credit payment after this date.


    For more information, please visit the government website:

    Removing the two-child limit on Universal Credit: Impact on low income poverty levels in the United Kingdom - GOV.UK

    You can also read more on MoneyHelper:

    The two-child benefit limit has ended | MoneyHelper

  • Challenge Poverty Week: Let’s End Poverty Together

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    Challenge Poverty Week runs from 13–19 October. It’s a chance for us all to shine a light on the real challenges people face and to celebrate the incredible work already happening across our communities.

    We’re encouraging everyone to Do One Thing to take a simple step towards improving your financial wellbeing. Whether it’s having a chat with family, seeking advice, or reviewing your budget. Small actions can lead to big changes.

    Below are a few suggestions to get you started, remember you only need to do one.

    • Check your benefits – You may not be receiving all the benefits you’re

    Challenge Poverty Week runs from 13–19 October. It’s a chance for us all to shine a light on the real challenges people face and to celebrate the incredible work already happening across our communities.

    We’re encouraging everyone to Do One Thing to take a simple step towards improving your financial wellbeing. Whether it’s having a chat with family, seeking advice, or reviewing your budget. Small actions can lead to big changes.

    Below are a few suggestions to get you started, remember you only need to do one.

    If you’re part of an organisation that supports people in your community, tell us how you're making a difference. Share your work, your impact, and how you're listening to those with lived experience. Use the hashtags #ChallengePoverty and tag @go_CheshireWest so we can amplify your voice.

  • Major expansion in funded childcare for working families

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    Eligible working parents in Cheshire West and Chester could receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare each week during term time for children aged 9 months to school age. This change is part of the government's expanded Childcare Choices programme and is designed to help families with the cost of living, support working parents, and give children the best start in life.

    This is a fantastic opportunity for local families to access funded childcare from as early as nine months old. The cost of living can be challenging, and this support can make a real difference to parents balancing

    Eligible working parents in Cheshire West and Chester could receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare each week during term time for children aged 9 months to school age. This change is part of the government's expanded Childcare Choices programme and is designed to help families with the cost of living, support working parents, and give children the best start in life.

    This is a fantastic opportunity for local families to access funded childcare from as early as nine months old. The cost of living can be challenging, and this support can make a real difference to parents balancing work and family life. From the end of parental leave to the start of primary school, an average working parent could save up to £7,500 per year – money that stays in your pocket for your family's needs.

    Share this information with friends, family members, neighbours, and community groups. Many families still don’t realise they’re eligible, especially those with younger children or returning to work.

    For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for funded childcare, visit:

    The Best Start in Life parent hub

  • Important vaccination information

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    UKHSA urges vaccination against respiratory viruses ahead of winter

    The UK Health Security Agency urges people to book their vaccinations against flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as cases are starting to increase ahead of the winter months.

    UKHSA urges vaccination against respiratory viruses ahead of winter - GOV.UK

    To ensure people are protected ahead of the peak respiratory illness season, UKHSA is highlighting the importance of taking up the free NHS offer as soon as you are invited for vaccination. Pregnant women and millions of children have already been able to get vaccinated, with appointments for most eligible

    UKHSA urges vaccination against respiratory viruses ahead of winter

    The UK Health Security Agency urges people to book their vaccinations against flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as cases are starting to increase ahead of the winter months.

    UKHSA urges vaccination against respiratory viruses ahead of winter - GOV.UK

    To ensure people are protected ahead of the peak respiratory illness season, UKHSA is highlighting the importance of taking up the free NHS offer as soon as you are invited for vaccination. Pregnant women and millions of children have already been able to get vaccinated, with appointments for most eligible groups available from 1 October.

    For the first time this year, in addition to other eligible groups, toddlers can also get their flu vaccination, which is given as a nasal spray, at community pharmacies.

    To book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, visit the National Booking Service:
    https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/

    Free chickenpox vaccination to be offered for first time to children in England from January

    Recently the government announced that starting next January, young children in England will get a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

    From January next year, GP practises will offer eligible children a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) – the clinical term for chickenpox – as part of the routine infant vaccination schedule.

    Expected to be given to around half a million children each year across England, the vaccination will be given to eligible children during routine GP appointments as part of the infant vaccination schedule.

    Eligibility will be based on how old a child is when the programme starts in January 2026. Parents will be provided with more information nearer the time.

    For more information, visit:
    Free chickenpox vaccination offered for first time to children - GOV.UK

    The UKHSA and NHS England are calling on parents to check their child’s vaccine records and catch up on any missed vaccinations with their GP practice.

    Read more, at:
    Almost 1 in 5 children starting primary school are not fully protected against several serious diseases - GOV.UK

  • Discount travel across the borough, and beyond

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    Getting around using public transport can not only save you money but is good for the environment too. Check out the deals on offer across our borough and beyond.

    Avanti West Coast’s Superfare ticket extended to Chester

    The Superfare ticket offers low-cost journeys to and from London.

    The new fare costing £21 for a single journey, is available on direct Avanti West Coast trains between the two cities. It can be purchased at least 7 days in advance and up to 56 days before travel.

    The ticket enables customers to book a journey for a specific date at a cheaper

    Getting around using public transport can not only save you money but is good for the environment too. Check out the deals on offer across our borough and beyond.

    Avanti West Coast’s Superfare ticket extended to Chester

    The Superfare ticket offers low-cost journeys to and from London.

    The new fare costing £21 for a single journey, is available on direct Avanti West Coast trains between the two cities. It can be purchased at least 7 days in advance and up to 56 days before travel.

    The ticket enables customers to book a journey for a specific date at a cheaper fare with the choice of a morning, afternoon, or evening slot.

    Find out more

    itravel now departing on Saturdays

    itravel on-demand rural bus service covers a wide area including Helsby, Frodsham, Delamere and Acton Bridge, as well as some other villages where no commercial services are available.

    It is simple, easy and cost effective to use. Just register to use the service, book your journey and you’re off. The many simple, convenient and varied ways of booking make it easier to connect you to people and places.

    Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm (excluding Bank Holidays), and Saturdays between 9am and 5pm. You can book online, using the mobile phone app (available to download from the App Store or Google Play, or by telephone – 0330 678 1545.

    Booking details

    Chester Park and Ride

    Travelling into Chester for work or leisure? Park and Ride operates from Upton, Boughton Heath and Wrexham Road. Free parking, with discounts for groups now available. Buses operate three separate circular routes direct into the city, then back to your car park.

    PR1 – Wrexham Road Park and Ride: Grosvenor Road (for Racecourse and Law Courts) – Bus Interchange – Foregate Street stop AA (for shops and visitor attractions) – Pepper Street (for the River Dee and Boat Trips) – Grosvenor Road - Wrexham Road Park & Ride

    PR2 – Boughton Heath Park and Ride: Boughton Waitrose (for Business Quarter) - The Bars – Bus Interchange – Foregate Street stop AA (for shops and visitor attractions) – Boughton Waitrose - Boughton Heath Park & Ride

    PR3 – Upton (Zoo) Park and Ride: Liverpool Road (Countess Hospital) – Liverpool Road Abbotts Grange (for university) – Bus Interchange – Foregate Street stop BB (for shops and visitor attractions) – Liverpool Road Abbotts Grange – Liverpool Road (Countess Hospital) - Upton (Zoo) Park & Ride

    Find out more

    Get around for £3 until 2027

    Single bus fares to be capped at £3 until March 2027, ensuring services remain affordable and supporting travel in rural areas and towns.

    Cheshire West and Chester Council has worked with operators to encourage as many as possible to participate, although some services will not be eligible.

    Journeys starting in Wales are not eligible for the scheme, however local concessions have been introduced by some operators.

    Find our more