Brent Council has used emergency powers to support the voluntary and community sector (VCS) during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Its assistant chief executive signed off a report last week outlining a new approach to this sector to ensure the borough’s most vulnerable are not left behind.

A steering group will manage the strategy during these uncertain times while a series of themes – such as foodbanks, older people’s services and disabled groups – have been put forward.

The council approved emergency grants up to £500 for smaller community organisations that have been affected by covid-19.

Funding of up to £5,000 will also be made available for larger groups to further support these smaller ones, with seven grants available to begin with.

According to the council, it will take a two-phased approached to dealing with the impact of coronavirus on the VCS.

Those in need of basic services who rely on support from these organisations will be dealt with immediately.

This will be followed by a longer-term strategy to ensure that groups can manage over what looks like a period of months as the country comes to terms with the wider impact of the virus.