AN extra £30,000 will be provided to local organisations, like food banks, to help deal with the Coronavirus crisis.

As part of Bradford Council’s network of support for communities and vulnerable people, an additional £30,000 will be provided to bolster the ward-based support.

It means that councillors in each of Bradford's 30 wards can invest £1,000 to best meet local need such as for food banks or community groups helping vulnerable residents.

Councillors are working with local partner organisations in their areas to ensure that the £1,000 is spent to achieve the best possible level of support for those who need it.

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The ward-level work is focused around maintaining the food supply, deliveries and food bank network for vulnerable residents, whose names and addresses are being collated. The Ward Plans are also helping to coordinate activity by matching local volunteers with requests for help.

The 30 Ward Plans each detail the specific local demographics of the ward, such as the size of the population, the numbers of elderly and vulnerable people, the volunteers available locally and the key buildings and services that will help to support and maintain local provision.

Councillors in each ward have worked with their ward officer to draw up the plans.

Councillor Abdul Jabar, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “I’ve set up this ward-based network of support with council officers so that the people and services on the ground get the help and support to where it’s most needed.

"As councillors we are using our local knowledge to identify and get help out to our fellow citizens who need our support. Councillors and ward officers in all 30 wards are drawing up their Ward Plans so the network of support across the district is not only comprehensive but also uses local assets to meet local need.

“I want to pay tribute to all the volunteers who have stepped forward at this time of need, they are making an incredible contribution.

"Anyone else who is able to volunteer their efforts and skills can contact the council on 01274 431000 or visit the Covid-19 section of the Council website. People can also help by please making donations if they can to their local food bank.”