More than £1 million has been paid out to Dudley borough residents who have been forced to miss work because of covid isolation, figures have revealed.

One-off grants of £500 have been handed out to people through the Test and Trace Support Payments scheme. The fund supports people on low incomes who cannot work because of self-isolating and, in just over 14 months, £1,056,000 has been handed out to 2,112 people. Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for finance, said:

"We’ve worked really hard to make sure that the people who need help during the pandemic get it. We recognise the challenges of the past two years and our staff have really risen to that.

"If people think they are eligible for this money, I recommend they get in touch and get some help."

The Test and Trace Support Payment was introduced in response to feedback from local authorities and directors of public health that some residents were struggling to self-isolate as directed due to financial constraints. Individuals can make an application for every period of isolation, via the council’s website.

To be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment, people must have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace because they have tested positive for coronavirus. They must also be employed or self-employed and be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result.

Finally, to be eligible people need to be employed or self-employed and currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit.

The scheme runs until March 31, 2022. You can apply by visiting dudley.gov.uk/covidisolationpayment.