BRADFORD Council has been handed more than £470,000 by Government to tackle disinformation around Covid-19 and the vaccines.

The cash is focused on addressing problems of fake news in BAME communities and the most vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled.

The £472,921 handed to Bradford is part of £23 million handed to 60 local authorities and voluntary groups to address the problem of disinformation.

The Government said through its new 'Community Champions' scheme councils and voluntary organisations will deliver a wide range of measures to protect those most at risk - building trust, communicating accurate health information and ultimately helping to save lives. 

This cash injection is "specifically targeted at areas with plans to reach groups such as older people, disabled people, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds who according to the latest evidence are more likely to suffer long-term impacts and poor outcomes from COVID-19" the Government added.

Each council has come up with its own ways of improving communication with these groups, and the Telegraph & Argus has asked Bradford Council for details on how the money will be used.

Some of these ideas include helplines, school programmes, workplace engagement, phoning those in at risk groups, and training sessions to help people provide information and advice.

It will also identify barriers to accessing accurate information and to provide tailored support, such as phone calls for people who are digitally excluded, helplines, and linking to GP surgeries.

It is hoped these programmes will tackle fake news about the virus and vaccines in these groups, and increase uptake of the vaccine.

Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said: "It is vital everyone has access to accurate and up to date information about COVID-19. False information about COVID-19 vaccines could cost lives.

"Today’s funding will help councils and community groups expand some of the excellent work already underway and reach out to their communities to ensure they have the information they need and get their questions answered.

"Ultimately this funding will help save lives."

Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi added: "We want all communities to take up the offer of a free vaccine and I have been working closely with faith and community leaders to ensure those who may be at higher risk of harm from this virus know how they can benefit from a vaccine.

"The expansion of the Community Champions scheme will help everyone get the advice and information they need about COVID-19 vaccines."

Kirklees Council has received £494,520 in funding and Leeds City Council has been handed £141,370 as part of this scheme.