Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Local Authorities: Additional Funding for Covid-19

Monday 5 October 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Local authorities have received 4.8 billion for spending pressures related to the covid-19 outbreak.
  • The government provided an additional 3.7 billion in un-ring-fenced grants to local councils.
  • Knowsley received 30 million in additional un-ring-fenced spending to address pandemic-related pressures.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 George Howarth Lab
Local Government
Context

The question arises from the increasing financial pressures on local authorities due to the ongoing costs of managing the pandemic.

Question

What steps he is taking to ensure that local authorities receive adequate funding for additional costs related to the covid-19 outbreak. I am concerned about the financial burden placed on local councils and the need for sufficient resources to manage these unprecedented times.

Answer from Luke Hall

We have provided local authorities with an unprecedented package of support, including £4.8 billion funding for spending pressures, £3.7 billion in un-ring-fenced grants, and £1.1 billion for the infection control fund. We have also introduced a co-payment scheme to help councils recoup irrecoverable losses in sales fees and charges. In total, we have committed over £28 billion to local areas to support councils, businesses and their communities since the start of the pandemic.

Answered
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Q2 George Howarth Lab
Economy Local Government
Context

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has requested a comprehensive government-backed package to address economic issues caused by the latest pandemic restrictions. A £40 million fund was recently announced locally.

Question

All of which is welcome, but last week the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority called for a comprehensive Government-backed package to deal with the problems for the local economy that will be caused by the introduction of the latest covid-19 measures. Today, the combined authority and the Metro Mayor announced a £40 million welcome package to support local businesses and jobs. Will the Minister agree to hold an urgent meeting with local MPs, the combined authority and the Metro Mayor to discuss what further assistance the Government can provide to support our local economy?

Answer from Luke Hall

The right hon. Gentleman will be fully aware that Knowsley has received £30 million in additional un-ring-fenced spending to deal with pressures resulting from the pandemic, on top of the £10 million increase in its core spending power this financial year. More widely, Knowsley received £51 million to support councils, businesses and the community. To prepare for local outbreaks we have provided a £300 million grant to all upper tier authorities to develop strong and effective local outbreak plans. I met the Mayor of Greater Manchester last week and he is meeting the Secretary of State tomorrow.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for an urgent meeting was not directly addressed, only the Minister's engagement with the Mayor of Greater Manchester was mentioned.

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