Thread by @Andrewwood17

27th April I asked for detail of COVID budget impact, still waiting for an answer
23rd June - similar request rejected
2nd July - submitted FOI asking for COVID costs, still waiting for an answer
27th July - submitted O&S question about COVID costs, still waiting for an answer
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https://twitter.com/TowerHamletsNow/status/1291373725217161217

So the Council is asking me to believe that net additional impact of COVID = £30 million
I will believe it when I see some evidence
I may be willing to believe that when you add in other non-COVID issues: savings not achieved, previous years budget overruns + COVID maybe £30m
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But avoiding answering my questions on 4 separate occasions over 4 months suggests there is something to hide?
I think government funding will cover most COVID costs, most direct income loss i.e. parking
Budget risk come from loss of business rates & Council tax over long term
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So I am not saying COVID will have no £ impact but it is in Councils interest to pretend all financial issues are COVID related & all governments fault
Risk is that if government thinks we will get blame anyway why support Councils with extra money?
But recession & loss of
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business in Canary Wharf (see closed shops/restaurants) will have a long term financial impact even if I think the Council over selling short term impact
But putting all blame on government ignores fact we have some responsibility for our own financial issues
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