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

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

The council administers the scheme and provides direct assistance to vulnerable households and families with children particularly affected by the pandemic.

This scheme was initially extended to 16th April 2021, then renamed Covid 19 Local Support Grant and extended to 20th June 2021 with a further final extension to 30 September 2021 increasing the grant award by £506,335 to a total since inception of £1,357,926.

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 school summer holidays at £130 supermarket voucher per household. This decision will also enable household funds to be redirected to pay utility bills.