In a recent story on the ‘Bedford Dependent’ website, posted by their ‘Local Democracy Reporter’, they said: “An emergency cash pot of more than £178,700 has been created to help people who are struggling to afford food and essentials during the coronavirus crisis in Bedford.
The money has been given to Bedford Borough Council by the Government to help people – including illegal immigrants – and others who cannot claim other types of benefits.
It’s from a £63 million emergency fund that the Government set up and then divided up among local councils in England.”
The ‘Beds Bulletin’ was contacted by concerned Bedford residents about the impression given by this report and we asked the Mayor’s office for clarification.
In an email received by the ‘Beds Bulletin’, on Thursday, August 6, 2020, a spokesperson for the Council, clarified the situation saying: “Bedford Borough Council are not supporting any illegal immigrants through the Local Authority Emergency Assistance Grant for Food and Essential Supplies.”
