Good news as funding confirmed for Holiday Activities Food (HAF) programme
Rossendale Borough Council has welcomed confirmation of around £230,000 in Government funding for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme for 2026-27, ensuring children who receive free school meals will continue to benefit from support during school holidays.
Since 2018, the HAF programme has offered vital help to families by providing a combination of healthy meals and activities, and the decision to extend funding for another year gives welcome stability to a scheme that many households rely on.
For Rossendale, the continuation of HAF funding means another year of high-quality support for children and young people who may otherwise miss out on nutritious food and structured activities during school holidays. Schemes like this are especially important in helping families manage rising costs and in giving children opportunities to learn, socialise and stay active in a safe, welcoming environment.
The programme has been delivered on behalf of the Council by Rossendale Leisure Trust (RLT) since its rollout, with the Trust responsible for planning and coordinating activities across the borough. RLT has built a strong network of local delivery organisations offering everything from sport and outdoor adventure to arts, music and wellbeing sessions, ensuring there is something for children of all ages and interests. The Trust has also developed excellent relationships with local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups, who help provide the meals that sit at the heart of the programme.
Cllr Liz McInnes, Lead Member for Communities, Housing, Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are delighted that HAF funding has been confirmed for another year. This programme makes a real difference to children and families across Rossendale, and the work delivered by the Leisure Trust and their community partners has been outstanding.
“Holiday provision is about more than activities, it’s about giving every child the chance to eat well, feel included and have a positive experience during the school break. Continued funding means we can keep that support in place for those who need it most.”