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Summer holidays family support

Find ways to save money and have fun with the family this summer

Support for families during the summer holidays

Find information about food, activities, school uniform and money advice available to families across Greater Lincolnshire this summer.

Take a look at info on:

Statutory benefits and childcare top-ups

  • Universal Credit Childcare Element: Working parents claiming Universal Credit can reclaim up to 85% of their summer childcare costs. This applies to Ofsted-registered provision, including summer holiday camps, sports coaching, and registered childminder fees. For the 2026 academic year, the maximum monthly cap sits at £1,014.63 for one child and £1,739.37 for two or more children. Costs must be reported through your online journal after payment is made.  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-childcare-costs
  • Child Benefit Rates: Child Benefit is paid standardly every four weeks, providing £27.05 per week for your eldest or only child and £17.90 per week for subsequent children. Note that if your child finishes secondary school or college at age 16 or 18 this summer and is not continuing into approved further education, your payments will officially cease on the fixed summer cut-off date of 31st August 2026
  • Tax-Free Childcare: If you are employed but do not qualify for Universal Credit, you can use Tax-Free Childcare: What Tax-Free Childcare is – GOV.UK. The state contributes £2 for every £8 you deposit, giving a maximum summer top-up of up to £500 per child every three months.
  • Turn2us offers benefit advice and information: turn2us.org.uk

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)

The previous Household Support Fund officially concluded on 31st March 2026. It has been replaced by the Lincolnshire Crisis and Resilience Fund, which handles emergency applications for families facing summer hardships. Eligible households can request supermarket vouchers, emergency food provisions, or utilities credit through their borough council’s welfare team.

Visit the Crisis and Resilience Fund website for more details.

Food and holiday activities

  • Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme: Free holiday clubs for eligible children from Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals. Clubs offer healthy meals, physical activities and fun learning opportunities during the summer, Easter and Christmas holidays. Find out more from Lincolnshire County Council or North East Lincolnshire Council.
  • Lincolnshire Food Partnership: Information about local foodbanks, community larders, affordable food providers, community groceries and low-cost meal options across Greater Lincolnshire. Visit the Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership.
  • Low-cost children’s meals: Money Saving Central lists restaurants and cafés where children can eat free or for £1 during the school holidays. Check places where children eat free or for £1 in summer 2026. Terms and conditions may apply.

Family events and activities

School uniform

  • Grimsby-area preloved uniform events: Cleethorpes Memorial Hall, 15 August, 1pm to 3pm; Immingham Civic Centre, 17 August, 2pm to 4pm; and Grimsby Central Hall, 24 August, 1pm to 3pm.
  • Boston preloved uniform event: Boston Youth Hub in Prescod Square, 14 August, 10am to 6pm.
  • Official network page: Search Facebook for “The Uniform Event – Grimsby and Cleethorpes” for venue updates, dates and opening times.
  • Community swap and gifting groups on Facebook: Look for local, parent-led groups such as “GY/Clee School Uniform Swap, Sale or Gift” or “Spede Sales” in Stamford.
  • Facebook shopping tip: Stock changes quickly. Check a group’s “Featured” or “Files” section first, as moderators may pin a current list of school badges and sizes.
  • Help with uniform costs: North Lincolnshire residents can check eligibility for the Crisis and Resilience Fund managed by Citizens Advice, which may provide up to £50 per pupil. In other areas, ask your child’s school about available hardship support.
  • Ask your school for help. Many schools run second-hand uniform schemes, which can enable you to pick up school clothing items at a fraction of the retail cost, Some schools offer vouchers or other financial assistance to help you cover the cost of uniforms. If they don’t have a scheme like this in place, they may be able to point you in the direction of a local charity or community group that can assist you.
  • Buying new: Major supermarkets including Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco sell generic uniform ranges and may run summer promotions.
  • Money Saving Expert. Offers specific advice on affording school uniforms: School uniform moneysaving tips

Money-saving and general advice

  • MoneySavingExpert: Find money-saving guidance to help with household finances during the summer holidays and beyond at MoneySavingExpert.
  • Citizens Advice: Free, confidential and impartial help is available if you are struggling with holiday costs or household finances. Use the contact details below for your area.

Citizens Advice contacts