The leader of Lambeth Council has thanked the “incredible” people responsible for delivering 4,000 food packages to vulnerable people in the borough.  

In a message to residents, Councillor Jack Hopkins also announced £23 million in grants has been given to local business during the coronavirus outbreak.  

Lambeth began giving out business grants of £10,000 or £25,000 near the end of March.  

Cllr Hopkins said: “Thanks to our incredible group of charities, voluntary sector groups, council staff and volunteers, we’ve now delivered more than 4000 food packages to local vulnerable people and opened over 9000 cases with our helpline.  

“We’re also trialling a new shopping offer in a small number of neighbourhoods with plans to expand quickly to be borough-wide, delivered by our fantastic group of local volunteers.  

“I’ve been heartened to hear from so many people who have been helped by these services.” 

If anyone is worried about access to food or other essentials, phone the helpline on 020 7926 2999, which is open every day from 8am to 8pm. 

Cllr Hopkins said the council would continue to press the Government for appropriate PPE for staff, “which is still inadequate and too slow, so that we can protect staff and residents”. 

He added that the council would be reporting on all its actions, decisions, and spending during the outbreak and raised concerns about the Government following through on its financial promises.  

“Everyone in local government welcomed the government’s immediate commitment to support councils financially by repaying the extra money spent to support our residents and save lives through the crisis. 

“But in the last week the tone of the messages from government has changed.  

“Local councils have already suffered a decade of government cuts– it would be an absolutely betrayal for local services to have to bear the burden of the current crisis as well. 

“This difficult time has shown us very clearly that the vital public services that councils deliver must be funded properly and sustainably in the long term, and Lambeth council will fight to ensure that happens,” Cllr Hopkins said.