Hartlepool's £3.4million war chest to keep services going through crisis - this is how it will be used

Hartlepool Borough Council has been allocated the ’emergency funding’ by the government as part of efforts to support adult social care, among other areas currently feeling the strain.

The Government announced £1.6billion of additional funding for all local government sectors to help them respond to Covid-19 pressures across all the services they deliver.

The allocations for each council have now been published, with Hartlepool receiving £3,404,116.

Elsewhere in the region Stockton-on-Tees will receive £5,594,000, Middlesbrough £5,200,178, Redcar and Cleveland £4,806,308 and Durham £18,588,256.

Councillor Shane Moore, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said the funds will be used to help support old and vulnerable people in the area and reduce pressure on the NHS.

He said: “Like all local authorities, we are playing a vital role in supporting the community and local economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In particular, we’ve set up the Hartlepool Support Hub to help anyone who is self-isolating or otherwise unable to leave their home.

“We are also losing income through the closure of facilities and we’ve suspended charges in all our pay and display public car parks until further notice.

“In reality, we expect the costs we face as a result COVID-19 will exceed £3.4million – but we do welcome the funding and hope it is followed by additional Government support over the coming weeks and months.

“This funding will also help meet the increased costs of supporting old and vulnerable people to stay in their own homes, which will also reduce pressure on the NHS.”

The Hartlepool Support Hub has been organised by the council in partnership with other organisations to support anyone self-isolating or unable to leave their home during the coronavirus outbreak.

To date it has taken more than 1,350 calls and delivered over 230 food parcels.

The hub offers information and advice, emotional support, delivery of shopping, newspapers and prescriptions and links to other support services.

To contact, email [email protected] or call 01429 272905 (10am-4pm Mondays to Fridays and 10am-12 noon Saturdays).

The latest funding to councils comes from the £5billion fund announced by the Chancellor to support the country through the coronavirus outbreak.

It relates to all council services facing pressure, including support for the adult social care workforce and for helping the most vulnerable, including homeless people.

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