HUNDREDS of Worcester families hit by the cost of living crisis have been helped by the city council.

This helped households at risk of homelessness, struggling to pay their energy bills and in need of home essentials.

Figures show that more than 900 households received assistance from the council's Household Support Fund between April and June.

According to the latest performance scorecard going before Worcester City Council's health and wellbeing committee next week, the grants cost the council £157,159.

Free School Meal vouchers were given to 651 families with nursery-age and college-age children for use during the summer holidays. These came at a cost of £43,890.

Food and energy vouchers were handed out to 51 households at a cost of £3,089.

Essential items such as beds, mattresses and white goods were provided to 198 households under the council's Discretionary Welfare Assistance Scheme, at a cost of £38,074.

A contribution of £11,106 was made towards housing costs, to prevent or relieve homelessness, helping 16 households.

The city council also contributed £11,000 so the Citizens Advice Bureau could provide an additional day of its service, and £40,000 to Worcester Foodbank.

It isn't yet known how many more households these services have helped.