Hundreds of people apply for help with food and heating in Sandwell just days after new scheme opens
More than 100 people a day in Sandwell are applying for cash grants of up to £500 to feed and keep their families warm over the winter.
Some 600 applications for support have been received since it was announced £1.4 million of government funding is available to those affected by Covid-19 until March.
The huge demand has surprised council chiefs who launched the scheme just five days ago.
Adult care boss Neil Cox, in a report to councillors on the impact of Covid-19, said: “Since we launched this towards the end last week we have received over 600 applications so far.
“The positive in that is people know about the scheme and are aware of it.
“However it’s slightly worrying as this is an indication of the amount of people who are actually struggling at the moment.
“Logistically, we have to ensure that we can handle and process those applications efficiently.”
Councillor Bob Piper, who chairs the council’s health and adult social care scrutiny board, said the figures were 'disturbing'.
"This is for people who are in dire straits and can’t afford to buy food or to pay their bills.
"Obviously, we are grateful for what every support we can get to the most vulnerable in Sandwell.
"In my town of Smethwick the unemployment rate has doubled to ten per cent since the outbreak began in March and that’s a very serious situation.”
Speaking of the fear the funding may not last until the end of February, he added: “Given the wave of people who have applied I would hope that this is monitored to ensure we can meet the demand."
Applications for the grant can be made online at https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/wintergrant
