Swindon Borough Council has received £973,406.66 to help vulnerable people in the area since December through the government's Covid grant support.

More than 500,000 grants worth up to £24 million have been made to households in need around the south west.

Healthy Start scheme payments have increased, rising from £3.10 to £4.25 a week. This gives pregnant women or those with children under four who have a low income and are in receipt of benefits money to buy fresh produce which will help improve the long-term health of their children.

Minister for welfare delivery Will Quince said: “Our Covid grants are ensuring thousands of children are clothed, fed and warm – vital support for families during the pandemic.

“By working with councils across the south west, we have been able to reach those most in need in the communities here, and as we progress along the road to recovery we will continue to support families in the best way possible.”

In England more than £269 million of Covid grants have been given to local authorities since December, with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also receiving additional funding.