By Christopher Morgan
Kirklees Council has announced they will be making more money available for councillors to help local people to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
All 23 wards in Kirklees will now have a £50,000 budget available for local councillors to manage and invest in their communities to help people in most need.
This is an increase on the current ward budgets – usually £20,000.
The council hopes this will help councillors to use their local knowledge to make sure the resources needed in their specific area are available. Though the councillors themselves will need to work to make sure these resources are delivered as a priority.
Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “As a council, we fully support the Government’s new stay at home measures.
“I urge everyone not to leave the house unless you absolutely have to for one of the official reasons.
“There are a lot of people in our communities that rely on others for help and support in these times. Our vulnerable residents need us and we will be there for them.
“Local councillors have a vital role to play in supporting residents through this difficult time. Our insight as councillors will be crucial in ensuring we are targeting the right resources in the right places.
“That’s why we’ve made the decision to make more money available at a local level because what’s needed in one area might not be the same in another.
“The community spirit we are already seeing is truly inspiring with local people volunteering their time to help others. We will continue to do what we do best – work together and help those that need us most.”