Watchdog in warning to councils over long-term financial impact of pandemic
FUTURE spending plans could be in jeopardy as local councils face a “long-term and ongoing” impact from the coronavirus pandemic, a watchdog has said.
Unprecedented challenges will continue from virus restrictions, which damaged leisure revenue streams while requiring emergency action to maintain safety, local government auditor Pamela Mccreedy said.
Her annual report warned the cash position could affect future capital expenditure plans, such as building new facilities, as well as day-to-day running costs.
The Department for Communities has already paid millions of pounds to the authorities to prop up local services and it is very likely they will also have to dip into their financial reserves, the auditor said.
Her report added: “Councils have faced unprecedented challenges related to Covid-19, which will continue as they deal with both the immediate and longerterm repercussions of the pandemic.
“There has been a significant financial impact related to decisions made by councils in order to maintain public safety, particularly during the emergency response to the pandemic.
“There is likely to be a longterm and ongoing impact on the economy and public sector finances, however the full extent is unknown at this stage.”
In May the Communities Minister announced that the Executive was allocating £20m to councils to assist them with their financial pressures up to the end of June this year.
This funding was to allow them to continue to provide essential services such as waste collection and disposal, registration and cemetery services and to support those in need.
An additional £40m was announced in September 2020 to support the operation of the 11 councils.
In October 2020 the Executive allocated a further £15m to councils to ensure that they continued to positively contribute to the response to and recovery from Covid-19.