Warrington Borough Council is taking steps to support self-employed people in the borough who are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 crisis.
The council has extended its a Local Welfare Support scheme – usually aimed at residents who are facing short term financial hardship – to self-employed people in Warrington.
This funding is limited, so awards will only be made where there is no alternative – or where individuals are awaiting their Universal Credit award. Those who are eligible for a Universal Credit hardship award, or budgeting loan or advance are not eligible.
Applicants are usually advised of the outcome of their claim within 48 hours.
Cllr Russ Bowden said: “We are doing all we can to support every single one of our businesses and ensure that no one slips through the net. Opening up this funding is part of this ongoing work, and could provide a real lifeline to self-employed people in Warrington who are in desperate need at this time.”
The Local Welfare Support Scheme covers mainly food bank vouchers, vouchers for heating bills, and the provision for brown and white goods when residents take new accommodation and have little or no furniture.
Chair of the Supporting the Local Economy Committee, Cllr Tom Jennings, said: “Many self-employed people won’t receive the financial assistance they need from the government until June at the earliest. As another pro-active step to support our business community, this scheme intends to prevent as many as it can from falling into financial hardship.”
For more information and to apply for funding, please visit warrington.gov.uk/localsupportscheme
For the latest information on coronavirus in Warrington, please visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus
