Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns has launched a scathing attack on the leadership of Rutland County Council, MP Demands Answers as Rutland Council "Withholds" Half-Term Food Vouchers
By Rutland Democracy Reporter Monday, 9 February 2026
Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns has launched a scathing attack on the leadership of Rutland County Council, accusing them of leaving low-income families "in the lurch" by withholding school holiday food vouchers during the current February half-term.
In an urgent letter sent today to the Council Leader, Cllr Gale Waller, the MP demanded to know why the vital support has been pulled, despite the Government providing funding through the Household Support Fund (HSF) until the end of March.
The row centers on the £20 vouchers typically provided to families eligible for free school meals to help cover costs during the holidays. For many in Rutland, the half-term break brings a sharp increase in household pressure due to rising energy bills and the absence of school-provided lunches.
In her letter, which has been seen by this reporter, Ms. Kearns expressed her disbelief at the decision.
"I am writing to seek clarification regarding the decision to withhold school holiday vouchers for the February half term, despite the Household Support Fund (HSF) not ending until March... The February half term is a particularly challenging period for many families, with increased food and energy costs and no access to free school meals."
The MP has challenged the council to explain the "missing" funds, noting that other local authorities appear to have maintained their voucher schemes for this period. She is calling for an immediate explanation on four key points:
The Rationale: Why the decision was taken to withhold the food vouchers for this specific half-term.
The Money Trail: How the remaining HSF allocation is being used between now and March.
Fund Redirection: Whether the money has been moved to other schemes, and if so, which ones.
Impact Assessment: What consideration was given to the impact on Rutland's lowest-income families.
The timing of the letter adds further pressure to the council's administration. Speaking on the matter, Ms. Kearns was blunt about the responsibility of the local leadership:
"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 withheld support for February half term? I have written to the Leader, Cllr Gale Waller, asking for an urgent explanation on where the money has gone... and who made the decision to hold the funds back."
Rutland County Council’s current policy for the Household Support Fund 2025/26 originally indicated a £20 voucher for the February 2026 break, but many families report they have not received the expected assistance.
