A row over school holiday vouchers in Rutland rumbles on – after an MP demanded answers over a decision to withdraw the scheme early.

Alicia Kearns (Con – Rutland and Stamford) has written to Rutland County Council leader Gale Waller (Lib Dem) asking why the council pulled the vouchers for February half term.

The Government announced last year that it would end its Household Support Fund (HSF) this March.

The council has said support is still available to families – and that the decision was taken not to issue the HSF vouchers as they would still be valid beyond the March 31 deadline.

Mrs Kearns' letter to the council asked:

• Why the decision was taken to withhold holiday food vouchers for the February half term
• How the remaining Household Support Fund allocation is being used between now and March
• Whether funding has been redirected to other schemes
• What consideration was given to the impact this decision would have on low-income families.

The MP for Rutland and Stamford said: "Rutland County Council's leadership owes those families struggling across Rutland this February half term some answers. 

"Why, when the Government is providing funding to support families until March, has Rutland County Council cut support for February half term too?

"Where has the money gone that was provided for these families, and who made the decision to hold the funds back from families?"

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Households received the news via their schools at the end of January.

It is understood the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is launching a new scheme to replace the HSF, later this year. Councils are expecting further advice later this month.

A council spokesman said: "Rutland County Council wrote to families on January 23 with an update about the Government's Household Support Fund (HSF). 

"This letter was sent via schools and explained that HSF vouchers would not be issued for the February half term. 

"HSF vouchers are valid for three months, meaning any vouchers issued now would still be in circulation after March 2026, when the Government has said it will close the HSF.

"Rutland County Council is still offering support to low-income families and those experiencing financial hardship, during the February half term. 

"This comes in the form of a direct payment to eligible families, instead of a voucher."

Applications can be made through the council's website at rutland.gov.uk/hsf