Pleased to speak to @BBCShropshire about #localgov funding & impact of coronavirus on parish/town council budgets esp. lost income - government must provide dedicated package of support incl. funding, or many councils will be facing precept increases and/or service reductions
Took opportunity to thank parish & town councils for leading their communities in #VEDay75 commemorations, finding creative ways to for people to remember & celebrate from the safety of their own homes
Councils among the quickest off the mark to step up & support their communities as part of the national effort to tackle the coronavirus pandemic
Such as co-ordinating volunteers to collect/deliver medicines & shopping, sharing information from government other agencies, helping businesses by publicising online services, establishing emergency grant funds, & continuing to maintain parks/open spaces & cemeteries
Three quarters of local councils estimate total additional costs as a direct result of the pandemic for the first quarter of the year of up to £5k
Two thirds of local councils report loss of income for first quarter of year of up to £5k. Higher losses of income for some larger local councils serving larger populations, with over a hundred estimating short-term first quarter of year loss between £25k & £500k
Worth noting many local councils have taken on provision of arts/culture venues, cemeteries, community/civic centres, housing schemes, leisure centres, libraries/museums, markets, parks/play areas, public toilets, street cleaning, tourism, community transport & youth services
Top income generating facilities closed/postponed/cancelled by local councils as a direct result of pandemic are community hubs/village halls, community events, sport/leisure facilities, markets, cafes/kiosks & car parks
Government policy has encouraged local councils to do more to improve their local area & take on additional responsibilities, including through Localism Act 2011 eg General Power of Competence, & to support policy objectives around health/well-being incl. loneliness & devolution
This includes relieving the pressure on local councils' small share of council tax - average Band D charge is just over a pound a week at £69 - by generating income from other sources
Without any financial support from the government, three quarters of local councils predict an increase in precept, just under half reduced service provision, and quarter will need to close facilities
The secretary of state's commitment in Wednesday’s Number 10 press briefing to ensuring councils get the resources they need was welcome, as was his recognition of the challenge of lost income which the government is also focussed on
But our first tier of local government, among the quickest off the mark to support their communities at the start of the pandemic, mustn’t be last in line for government support & financial assistance, or hindered in playing their part in the road to recovery
That is why NALC is calling for the government to urgently bring forward a dedicated package of financial support and funding, regulatory freedoms & flexibilities, & more effective engagement
Yesterday MPs reflected on getting elected, thanking & paying tribute to their constituents & communities. Today they can repay that honour & their trust by backing our call, & supporting their councils at all levels, fighting hard for the funding they all need
@threadreaderapp unroll
