More than 4,000 people in Hertfordshire will now be able to claim for a discretionary £500 self-isolation payment after a £2m investment has been agreed.

Those eligible will be able to access the new scheme which works alongside the local test and trace programme.

People that test positive for Covid 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.

Tim Hutchings, cabinet member for public health and prevention at the 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," before adding: "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."Â

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

The £2million of funding was agreed by a key group of public sector partners across public health, NHS, police and environmental health officers.

The extra money was approved by the Health Protection Board after the county's 10 district and borough councils had already distributed the previous grants from central government.