More than 4,000 overlooked people in Hertfordshire will now be able to claim £500 self-isolation grants.

Hertfordshire County Council will be investing an extra £2million to help support people who may not be covered by Government self-isolating funding schemes.

Residents that test positive for Covid-19, and are contacted by the local authorities, will be offered the £500 self-isolation payment if they are earning less than £500 per week after tax and National Insurance contributions, on condition that they strictly follow the law and self-isolate, and meet other criteria.

Previously, some residents in Hertfordshire could not qualify for the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment scheme by the government because of zero-hour contracts, low-earnings and other overlooked issues.

The new support expansion from Hertfordshire County Council starting on February 1 will help those initially overlooked without financial self-isolating support.

Earlier this month, a county council spokesperson said there were no plans for such expansion at the time.

Peter Taylor, the Mayor of Watford, said: “I am so pleased that the money has been made available to help those who must self-isolate. Self-isolating is essential if we are to reduce the number of people with COVID19 and have an effective test-trace-isolate system.

“This is only possible if there is proper financial support for people to isolate when they need to.”

Tim Hutchings, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Prevention at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “This extra £2million will help those people that are eligible to apply for it. Those that are eligible can get access to £500 if they have unfortunately tested positive for Covid-19.

“Self-isolating – and not going out in any circumstances – is absolutely critical for us to continue to reduce infections from spreading within our communities. We would welcome any further investment from Central Government in following our lead on this issue.”

To apply, residents should visit their district or borough council website for more information from next Monday (February 1).