Government hands out almost £7m to help vulnerable families in region

The cash was delivered through the Covid Winter Grant Scheme, totalling £170 million nationally, aimed at helping families buy food, essentials and pay energy bills.

In some cases, councils are using the money to fund initiatives like food vouchers, help with paying water bills and buying essential items like nappies. The funding reached council bank accounts in late November.

A total of £6,880.801.64 has been awarded to the region's local authorities. The most was given to Staffordshire County Council, with £2,221,422.84, handed out, followed by Sandwell Council which received £1,404,606.44, while Walsall Council was given £1,134,745.58.

Wolverhampton Council received £1,061,922.62 and Dudley Council was given £1,058,104.52.

The secretary of state for work and pensions, Therese Coffey, said: "No child should have to worry about food or warmth this winter.

"We have worked with councils across England to ensure the £170 million Covid Winter Grant delivers well-targeted support as quickly as possible, primarily focusing on heating and eating for disadvantaged families with children."

At least 80 per cent of funds are ring-fenced, so they can spent on food, energy and water bills, while 20 per cent is available for other associated essential costs. Councils can also offer support to vulnerable individuals and households without children.

Not all the funding has been given so far. Some cash will be handed out in 2021, as the Government's scheme is designed to run until the end of March.

The money is distributed to local authorities based on population size, whilst also weighting for deprivation in the local area.

Elsewhere in the region, Telford and Wrekin Council was given £609,359.45. The local authority has allocated £50,000 to finance a winter coat and clothing fund, after hearing that higher numbers of children were going to school without coats.

The council has also allocated £360,000 of funding towards £30 supermarket vouchers for approximately 10,700 vulnerable children and young people in their area.

Elsewhere, Birmingham City Council was given £5,188,935.15 and Worcestershire County Council received £1,607,260.87.