York Conservative have welcomed the news that City of York Council is being allocated £940,000, as its share of £1 billion in extra funding for local authorities to manage the added pressures of winter.
The funding has not been ring-fenced, meaning local leaders will be able to determine how to spend the additional funding in order to best protect public health, local vulnerable people and the running of vital services.
This is the fourth announcement of extra direct support for local authorities since the start of the pandemic. It forms part of an unprecedented package of support for councils, which also includes up to £465 million through the new Local Alert Level system, £300 million to support Test and Trace and £30 million for enforcement and compliance. Councils can also claim funding through a compensation scheme for lost income from sales, fees and charges and further additional support will be made available to areas placed under Tier 3 restrictions.
Following the announcement, Julian said:
It is reassuring to see Robert Jenrick MP and his team at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government working with City of York Council to provide the financial support they need to continue to deliver frontline services to residents.
The pandemic has affected all areas of our lives and the Government have swiftly developed innovative programmes to support our communities. It is important that City of York Council use these funds to continue to deliver frontline services residents expect throughout winter and offer support to local businesses who are feeling the effects of the pandemic.
Conservative City of York Councillor Paul Doughty added:
This is a welcome announcement on top of investment already received centrally. I know Julian Sturdy has been pressing for extra resources for our city.
A cautionary note would be that I hope City of York Council don’t fritter this money and instead direct it to where it is most needed rather than at more pet projects for photo opportunities!
