Rotherham Council aiming to expand voucher scheme for needy families

A SCHEME which helped struggling Rotherham families pay for their shopping over Christmas could be extended throughout the year.

Rotherham Borough Council loaned £80,000 to Laser Credit Union and Voluntary Action Rotherham to hand out in vouchers which could be used at the Pak Supermarket, Wellgate, over Christmas.

The project helped 140 people in 11 days and council leader Cllr Roger Stone said : “It was very successful as far as we’re concerned. We are looking at the ways and means of extending that when we take over crisis loans from the DWP.”

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“Laser Credit union were inundated. It’s helped a number of people and that’s why we’re looking at extending it through the year.”

He added: “Next Christmas we want to get all the supermarkets involved rather than just Pak, who did an excellent job.”

The Christmas vouchers expired today and recipients will now pay back interest-free loans at £5 a week.