FAMILIES in Cheshire hit hard by the pandemic are to receive further financial support from the Government.

Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East Councils are set to receive an extra £1.7 million from the Covid Local Support Grant to help families get back on their feet as the economy recovers, and the vaccine rollout continues.

The total allocation for Cheshire since December 1 last year is £4.5 million.

The grant (previously known as the Covid Winter Grant Scheme) has enabled local authorities in England to support families that are struggling with the cost of food and utility bills as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The grant has run since December 1, 2020, with a total investment of over £269 million so far.

Between December 1, 2020, and April 16, 2021, councils have made almost 6.3 million awards under the Scheme.

It will now be extended for a final time, with a further investment of £160 million, to cover the period up to September 30, 2021. This temporary support is being extended beyond the planned ending of restrictions, to provide further support for families.

Eddisbury MP, Edward Timpson CBE, said: “Throughout the pandemic, the Government has provided an unprecedented package of support for individuals, families, communities and businesses who need financial help at this critical time—help which I know has been welcomed by many of my constituents here in Eddisbury and across Cheshire.”