LEADER of Bradford Council Susan Hinchcliffe said the new Government funding will help counter "frustrating fake news" around Covid-19 and the vaccine.

Today the Government announced Bradford Council would receive £472,921 as part of its Community Champions scheme to fight disinformation around the virus, particularly in BAME communities and vulnerable groups including the elderly and disabled people.

The money will be used to beef up the existing systems the Council has in place; recruiting more community champions in Bradford, quashing untrue rumours about Covid-19 circulating around communities and extending the hours of the Council's Covid-19 helpline.

READ MORE: Government says new funding will 'ultimately save lives'

Councillor Hinchcliffe said: "Throughout the pandemic, our efforts to support people with accurate and timely information have been frustrated by fake news.

"This isn’t just in Bradford, it’s a worldwide issue, social media has more influence now than it has ever had before.

"The extra funding to scale up some of the work we are already doing in this area is welcome.

“In order to tackle the disinformation around Covid and the vaccine, we will work with partners across the district, allowing us to build on the already extensive community engagement that is happening across our Covid Hub Response Team.

“We know that our communities are best placed to share information and provide assurance and reassurance among family, friends and neighbours.

"We already have many staff and residents working with us, this extra funding will allow us to recruit further champions through our established networks, ensure further residents are trained and supported with information on Covid and the vaccinations and are able to tackle rumours.

"We will be able to tailor and produce information in more languages and support those with disabilities more rapidly, including the extension of the Covid Helpline hours and where appropriate supporting our vulnerable with door step visits.”

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."