Local Authority Funding Covid-19 2020-06-15
2020-06-15
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Discusses funding inadequacy for local councils due to financial strain from the pandemic.
What recent discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of funding for local authorities during the current pandemic? The hon. Member also inquired about Enfield council facing a projected £68 million cost burden and the need for austerity measures despite statutory duties to provide essential services like libraries, waste collection, and adult social care.
We have paid an unprecedented £3.2 billion to local authorities to address financial pressures from the pandemic, including £17.9 million to Enfield council and a core spending power increase of £13.5 million this year. We introduced measures worth more than £5 billion to help ease councils' immediate financial pressures. No, councils should not plan for austerity cuts.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Inquires about government plans to support areas severely impacted by the virus with large black and minority ethnic populations.
What are the Government's plans to ensure that councils covering high-density BAME population areas receive necessary support for recovery from social and economic effects of the pandemic?
The Government are working closely with councils, including Bradford, to understand pressures on BAME communities. We continue to work closely with affected areas and adjust our response accordingly as we gather more information.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Discusses the need for collaboration between councils, industry, training providers and community organizations to ensure a comprehensive recovery strategy.
How do the Government plan to support partnerships involving local authorities, businesses, training providers and community groups to ensure economic and community recovery go hand in hand?
We have so far allocated a total of more than £103 million to Hounslow Borough Council, including generous business grants and additional council funding worth over £14 million. We support local authorities with specific issues such as aviation links struggling financially.
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