VIRUS CRISIS Could Cost COUNCIL ‘over £10m’

THE coronavirus pandemic is likely to cost Coventry council more than £10 million, the authority’s leader has said.

All local authorities were given a slice of a £1.6 billion emergency funding pot announced by the government last month.

Coventry City Council was given £10.4m but the authority’s leader has said it is “unlikely to pay for all of the financial effects on us”.

Cllr George Duggins said: “The health, social and economic consequences of the global Covid-19 outbreak is having a massive effect on the city.

“We are continuing to provide essential services and support to residents, businesses and other groups while also playing our part at the forefront of the national response to the pandemic.

“Our finance officers have been working hard to oversee emergency spending plans as we try to identify and prioritise our work.

“Given the current uncertainty it is far too early to estimate the overall cost of the outbreak to the council and how the money will be allocated.

“The £10.4m government funding is welcomed but it is unlikely to be enough to pay for all of the financial effects on us.”

Particular pressures are being felt in both adult and children’s social care, but also in the drive to equip workers with personal protective equipment (PPE).

Cllr Duggins added: “Although much of the funding will be needed for social care, we are identifying support as and where pressures become apparent. These pressures include the need for supplies of PPE and support for vulnerable households across the city.

“We are also working with partner organisations to understand the financial challenges they are facing and where we can support them, while at the same time assessing where our income streams have been significantly impacted.”

Separate funding has also been provided by government to support Coventry households and businesses facing financial difficulties.

It forms part of a huge £330 billion Government aid package outlined by chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors can receive a cash grant of up to £25,000, while small businesses can pick up a £10,000 grant.

“The situation is changing on a daily basis and we are grateful for the way partners and the community are working together in such extraordinary circumstances,” Cllr Duggins said.