District Councils Respond to Government Coronavirus Funding Allocation

Responding to the allocations of emergency coronavirus funding for local authorities, which will see district councils benefit from £214 million and the delay in the business rate reforms, Cllr John Fuller OBE, Chairman of the District Councils’ Network, said:

“We are pleased that government has listened to districts and acted on our call for vital extra funding so that we can continue to fight coronavirus, reduce homelessness, protect the vulnerable and collect waste.

“This shows government recognises the incredible work of districts in supporting every family and business and the pivotal role they can play combating this virus and leading the local recovery in every street.

“Taken together, the short-term funding announced today along with the certainty over retained business rates next year worth nearly £300m next year could mean a very welcome half a billion pounds of funding certainty for district councils on the front line over two years delivering those final mile services that allow us to lead our residents and businesses to recovery.

“We know that there are much bigger financial pressures facing the whole country right now, and your local district council will continue to play their part working as part of a complete local government system to make sure our local services build better lives and stronger economies.

“Now is the time for the whole of local government to come together to drive the economy and help people get through this crisis.”