Emergency funding from the government has been given to help Medway residents during the coronavirus crisis.

The £6.6m package awarded to Medway Council will help the authority deal with increasing pressure on some of its services.

Whitehall chiefs have advised council bosses how they should spend the money.

But a final decision on exactly how the cash will be used has not been decided by the council.

Speaking to the Messenger last week, council leader Alan Jarrett hinted some of the funds could be used to assist health services in Medway clear bed space.

He suggested some funding could be used to move non Covid-19 patients out of hospital who have recovered from their treatment but remain on wards because of their personal circumstances.

The government has highlighted five main areas in which the council could allocate the money.

Adult social care is expected to see a surge with more elderly people in particular being brought to care homes or others leaving hospital but needing help with their recovery.

The money would allow the council to help social care services and care homes cope with increased demand.

The council is also being urged to increase its resources into helping vulnerable children in the social care system.

Support for the homeless and rough sleepers is being stepped up – a move which the government has already committed to after announcing further funding last week.

People in self-isolation – or who may soon be told to stay at home for the duration of the pandemic – because of health concerns putting them at higher risk of contracting coronavirus could also get additional support.

As a result of the crisis, council incomes are set to take a hit with car parks being used less, leisure centres closed and fewer people using services authorities usually charge for.

The government says the cash can be used to meet pressure on other services across the council due to the lower income, increasing costs and demand.

Full details of how the council will be introducing additional support is due to be announced in the coming weeks.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

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