THE Royal Borough has been granted a cash boost from Government to support vulnerable people during a gruelling winter.

The Government announced the £170 million Covid Winter Grant scheme to help people hardest hit by the pandemic to provide food for their children and keep warm during the winter.

Local authorities across England were given their share from the pot to support children, families, and the most vulnerable during the winter.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead was granted £236,356 from this scheme.

READ MORE: Windsor & Maidenhead councillors clash over litter fine methods

Councillor Stuart Carroll (Conservative: Boyn Hill), lead member for adult social care, children’s services, health, and mental health said: “We will, of course, look at where we can best maximise the use of that resource.

“Some of the specific areas that it will go on will be children with learning disabilities, high risk children, also adults with learning disabilities or adults who are deemed to be particularly at high risk.

“So, we will be targeting in on the most vulnerable residents and to ensure that we continue to protect vulnerable people during this very difficult period.”

He added: “I think it is important that Government does continue to realise that additional funding on top of that will be required across local authorities.”

READ MORE: Review of Maidenhead Town Hall and library was considered by Council

The council will receive the funds at the beginning of December where it will cover the period to the end of March 2021.

Royal Borough residents who are needing to shield can still apply for payments of £500 through self-isolation funding – which will run until January 31, 2021 – via the council’s website.

Cllr Carroll said: “If you’re having to shield or self-isolate and you fall into the category – such as you’re self-employed or you’re eligible for other benefits – you can make a claim for that funding to support you during that period.

“Of course, that’s absolutely right because people are having to isolate or shield and it’s not, under any circumstances, their fault as it is the right thing to do and a big sacrifice and it’s important that people are supported.”

You can click the following link to apply and for more information: https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/council-and-democracy/contact-us/coronavirus-information-and-support/covid-19-business-support/covid19-council-tax-and-benefits