Covid-19 Local Authority Support 2020-04-28
2020-04-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the need to assess whether the current level of support for local councils is adequate amidst the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
What steps he is taking to regularly assess the adequacy of support for local authorities during the covid-19 outbreak?
I express once again my gratitude and admiration for the vital work that councils are doing. We have been in constant contact with councils up and down the country from Cornwall to Cumbria to listen to their concerns. More than £3.2 billion demonstrates our very real support for this sector.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps taken to assess adequacy of support not detailed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
North East Derbyshire District Council and the District Councils' Network have suggested providing more financial support through innovative borrowing approaches to address the acute cash flow problem in district councils.
District councils face an acute cash flow problem in the next few months as normal revenue streams have dried up. Although there is plenty of financial support available from the Government, has the Department considered providing more flexibility and innovative approaches to short and medium-term borrowing?
I assure my hon. Friend that we are committed to ensuring that councils, including district councils, are supported. My hon. Friend the Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government holds regular talks with the District Councils' Network. Indeed, he had a call with them just yesterday. As I have said, councils will be able to defer £2.6 billion of payments they are due to make to central Government over the next three months.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific innovative borrowing approaches not addressed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Buckinghamshire Council faces reduced income and increased statutory duties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a request for financial assurances.
Will my right hon. Friend join me in again praising the excellent work of Buckinghamshire Council during the covid-19 crisis? What financial assurances can my right hon. Friend give Buckinghamshire Council, given the reduction in our income and the increase in our statutory duties associated with covid-19?
In addition to the points I made to my hon. Friend the Member for Buckingham (Greg Smith), authorities up and down the country, including Buckinghamshire Council, are performing admirably by supporting businesses, charities and the most vulnerable in society. Buckinghamshire Council received more than £10 million from the first tranche of funding paid on 27 March, with further support from the second tranche to be announced imminently.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific financial assurances not detailed
Response accuracy