The Covid Winter Grant scheme was announced to help support vulnerable children and families during the winter months.

The scheme will support those most in need across England with the cost of food, energy and water bills and other associated costs.

The council is to administer the scheme and provide direct assistance to vulnerable households and families with children particularly affected by the pandemic.

This scheme was initially extended to 16 April 2021 and has been extended again to 20 June 2021 and the grant award has been increased by £126,584 to a total since inception of £851,591.

The increase in funding will be used to purchase local supermarket vouchers for households in England where residents include:-
a. Pupils in receipt of free of school meals
b. Pre-school children in receipt of pupil premium
c. Disadvantage students in college settings
To cover the cost of the May half term at £40 supermarket voucher per household. This decision will also enable household funds to be redirected to pay utility bills.