Killer bug costs councils millions

The coronavirus crisis will cost East Ayrshire Council £ 6.3 million from April to June, it is estimated.

The local authority has had to pay out extra to meet the costs of responding to the pandemic.

It has also suffered huge financial blows to income.

The council said: “The impact is estimated to be around £ 6.351 million for the period April to June 2020 and this will have a serious and potentially long- lasting effect on our budget for 2020 to 2021 and beyond.”

The council has warned budgets must be re- examined and departments will struggle to make projected savings.

It has rapidly transformed how it works to deal with employees self- isolating, social distancing and the other effects of the pandemic.

Hundreds of council employees have taken on new roles to keep services running. They have been working on meal deliveries, education hubs and calling people who are shielding.

Others have stepped in to work in waste management or care at home.

More than 6200 free meals are being delivered to families every day.

And East Ayrshire Council has been the top performer at processing the Scottish Government grants in Scotland.

The council’s response to the pandemic was presented to councillors by chief executive Fiona Lees during a private meeting last week.

It was held by video conference. Meanwhile, the coronavirus is costing South Ayrshire Council millions as bosses are forced to wait for emergency cash from the Scottish Government.

Councillors say the money has been delayed and the council has been forced to find money to deal with the crisis.

Councillor Philip Saxton said the funds should be arriving soon but it won’t be enough.

Councillor Saxton, responsible for housing and community well- being, said: “My understanding is the money is coming shortly. We are spending what needs to be spent.

“Our priority is to make sure everyone is safe irrespective of cost.”

The Labour politician added: “No matter what we get ( from the Government) it won’t meet our costs. We will have to look at that later.”

Councillor Saxton said the council has had to finance protective equipment and cover health and social care costs among others.

Blasting the delay Councillor Hugh Hunter, Conservative, said: “It is an absolute disgrace that the money has not been sent straight to councils to deal with.

“Instead it has been hoarded at Holyrood.

“It shows a disgraceful lack of trust in local authorities. They should be trusted to do the very best for their constituents.”

The Prestwick councillor said he believes reserves have been used to meet the costs.

The UK Government has made £ 155m available to councils in Scotland, which is being handled by the Scottish Government.