Warning over virus impact on economy
RESIDENTS have been warned Cheshire East is only at the ‘ end of the beginning’ of the coronavirus pandemic as households face a huge economic hit.
The council’s cabinet discussed the response to the unprecedented situation during its virtual meeting.
Councillor Nick Mannion, portfolio holder for environment and regeneration, warned ‘ we are only at the end of the beginning’ of the pandemic.
The Macclesfield West and Ivy member also said the social and economic consequences for many families are ‘only just hitting home’.
He added: “The huge rise in universal credit claims across Cheshire East that were reported last week are another early tangible indicator of the massive financial impact that the pandemic is having on some of the most vulnerable households.
“We must ensure these households are offered every support by Cheshire East Council during what will be an inevitably very difficult period of time for them.”
Council leader Sam Corcoran thanked volunteers, partners and businesses for pulling together to support communities during the testing period.
He said: “I would particularly like to place on record my thanks to all Cheshire East staff, who have kept services running and set up new services in challenging times.”
Officers are predicting that the costs of Covid-19 to the authority will be in the region of £60 million.
So far it has received around £20 million from central government.
It has spent significant amounts of money on providing adult and children social care, providing personal protective equipment and on housing rough sleepers.
Furthermore, the council is losing income and revenue on council tax, business rates and parking charges, as well as on leisure and culture fees.
But it will be working with partner organisations - such as the County Councils Network and Local Government Association - to help it meet the full costs.
The cabinet noted the financial implications, as well as the ongoing lobbying to ensure government reimburses it fully.
Coun Janet Clowes, leader of the Cheshire East Conservative group, also put her views forward on the financial situation.
She said committees will be working to, hopefully, identify the way ‘in which we spend the monies in order to meet the Covid need’.
“Covid loomed at the start of the council’s accounting year when the cabinet announced a balanced budget,” she said.
“This provides a useful baseline against which to oversee, scrutinise and audit all spend related both to Covid and, of course, other essential council services going forward.”