RESIDENTS can have their say on plans for an emergency loan scheme run by Bradford Council.

From April 2015, it is expected that the government will no longer give the local authority money to run the Discretionary Support Payment Scheme, which helps people financially in a crisis.

The council has therefore developed an alternative and would like people to have their say on it.

The new scheme aims to give financial help pay for food, energy bills or essential household items like cookers and beds, however, this money will have to be paid back.

Council leader David Green (pictured) said: "We understand that the Discretionary Support Scheme has been vital to some of Bradford’s households. This is why, despite the government cuts, we want to carry on helping as many people in need as we can.

"So that we can move forward with the best possible scheme, we would like Bradford residents to have their say on the new proposals through our online survey.”

Have your say, go to www.bradford.gov.uk/consultations.