Pressure is mounting on the Government to extend a support scheme helping hard-up families with grant payments of up to £550.

The Household Support Fund provides cash for local councils to give out in various ways such as vouchers or in direct payments, to help the most vulnerable cover their essential costs.

Local authorities are providing payments up to £550 to help pay for energy bills and water bills and food.

Food vouchers may also be on offer during the school holidays, according to…