THE GOVERNMENT has announced a £170m Covid Winter Grant scheme to help families before Christmas.

Supermarket vouchers, winter clothing and funding for utility bills are among the support offered to vulnerable families.

On Friday, the Government said millions had been given to councils for the scheme in November.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey, said: “We’ve worked with councils to ensure the scheme delivers targeted support as quickly as possible." For more information contact your local authority.