Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has launched its application for self-isolation payments.

Eligible individuals in the Moorlands who are entitled to a Test and Trace support payment or discretionary support payment of £500 can now apply online.

This is to support people on low incomes who are unable to work from home if they are told to self isolate by NHS Test and Trace and will lose income as a result.

Since the end of September it has been legal requirement for anyone who tests positive for Covid-19, or who is contacted by NHS Test and Trace, to self isolate - or face an initial fine of £1,000 which could rise to £10,000 for repeat offenders.

The district council is administering the support payments and the application form for those who are eligible is now available on their website.

Applications can be back dated to 28 September - the date the legal duty to self isolate came into force.

Cllr Sybil Ralphs, leader of the council, said: "As cases continue to rise across the country we must all do the right things to help protect each other - including strictly adhering to self isolation if you're instructed to do so or you test positive for Covid.

"These payments are there to help people on low incomes and those who cannot work from home meet this legal requirement without having the additional worry about the impact on their finances.

"The application process, including for back dated payments, is now online so there really is no excuse for people to flout the self isolation rules and put others at risk."