More than 7,000 households in north-west London will receive a one-off payment of £150 to put towards council tax bills to help combat the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Brent Council announced that it would spend around £1.3 million of government emergency funding on the initiative to support the borough’s most financially vulnerable.

Those who are part of its council tax support scheme will receive the payment, including eligible applications made between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, who is responsible for housing and welfare reform at Brent Council, said: “Households across Brent have been hit extremely hard by this pandemic.

“Already, over 750 additional households have joined Brent’s Council Tax Support scheme, which just goes to show that money is a big worry for lots of people at the moment.

“This Government grant makes it possible for us to help out that little bit more.

“The economic and emotional costs of the pandemic are huge and growing and I look forward to working with the Government to find other ways to support Brent’s residents.”

Cllr Southwood added that the crisis has “shone a light on the deep-rooted economic insecurity and inequalities” faced by many across Brent.

She said the council is in the process of exploring ways to reduce these gaps, including through an independent Poverty Commission.

For more information, including for those who might be eligible for support, email coronavirus@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 1234.