The Leader of Richmond Council has criticised the Government after it emerged that councils will get £14.60 per head to support clinically vulnerable residents who are advised to stay at home during the second lockdown.

People with medical conditions which are at greater risk if they contract COVID-19 have been termed by the NHS as clinically vulnerable.

In Richmond upon Thames there are over 6,900 residents on the list, including 257 children and young people.

The Government is advising those in this category to follow careful guidance to ensure they stay safe.

Councils are asked to offer to support to these individuals, offering help such as home support or accessing food.

Richmond council was allocated £102,000 - or £14.60 per person - to offer this support during this second lockdown.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said:

“It is essential that during the lockdown we are able to keep our most vulnerable residents safe. This money is nothing short of – peanuts!

"The Government must explain how they arrived at this figure. You can't support communities on the cheap. Those who are clinically vulnerable might need additional services - home care for example, and if they are isolating, practical support like shopping or food deliveries. What does £14.60 cover?

“Working with our voluntary sector, we will do all we can over the next few weeks, and of course we will make sure that people have the help they need. But, it is really pitiful that the Government thinks we can do that for a measly 52 pence a day!”