FAMILIES across Bury hit hard by the pandemic are to get further financial support from the Government.

The local authority is set to receive an extra £582,982 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 Bury since December 1 last year is £1,563,485

Welcoming the news, Bury South MP Christian Wakeford, 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 Bury South.”

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

The grant has run from December 1, with a total investment of over £269m so far. Between December 1 and April 16, councils had made almost 6.3m awards under the scheme. It will now be extended for a final time, with a further investment of £160m, to cover the period up to September 30. This temporary support is being extended beyond the planned ending of restrictions, to provide further support for families.