Post Office (PO) has seen continued growth of its Payout voucher service, which sees local postmasters supporting families with essentials for children.

The scheme was established in 2006, and now provides £15 per child per week to eligible families. Distributed via email or post, the vouchers can be redeemed at PO branches.

The vouchers, in partnership with local authorities, can be used for essential needs such as uniform grants, school meals, or energy top-ups.

Significant growth

The Payout voucher service has reportedly seen ‘significant growth’ over the past five years. It is aiming to pay out more than £1m in vouchers to support communities this year, a figure up 30% year on year.

Simon Lambert, commercial and operations director at PO, said: “The Payout voucher scheme really exemplifies everything Post Office stands for: providing support for those who need it, in an easy and accessible way, led by postmasters at the heart of their local communities. We know that for families who access free school meals, summer holidays can often be a tough time, such as in parts of Cornwall, London and Yorkshire, where uptake of the voucher scheme is at its highest. That’s why we’re glad Post Office is able to help facilitate the voucher scheme for communities across the UK whilst supporting postmasters drive footfall and revenue.”

The Payout service is a versatile payment solution, allowing businesses and organisations to make cash payments or provide energy top-ups, which aims to provide for those who do not have access to mainstream banking services or who are in vulnerable situations.

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