John Baron MP welcomes £370,853 of extra support for Basildon Council

MP: Funding is part of £2,328,381 of extra Covid-19 support for Basildon Council

The Government has announced a £500 million package of additional support for councils, which have lost income and incurred unexpected expenses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with Basildon Council’s share being £370,853, bringing the total amount of extra Government support for our council to £2,328,381. Nationwide the amount of support the Government has provided to councils now totals £4.3 billion, which will help ensure that our councils can continue to deliver crucial frontline services, support those most in need and continue delivering for residents.

In addition, the Government has announced a co-payment scheme, which will compensate councils for irrecoverable losses from sales, fees and charges. Furthermore, to build in breathing-space into their budgets, the Government will allow councils to spread their tax deficits over three years rather than the usual one, allowing authorities to pay deficits off in a reasonable timescale and limiting their cashflow pressures.

John said,

“The coronavirus pandemic has put many councils in difficult positions, but the Government has been clear that it will provide support when it is needed. I therefore welcome that the Government has listened to our concerns and provided this extra £500 million, and especially the extra funds for Basildon Council which now total over £2 million.”

“This, together with the co-payment and spreading of tax deficits, will make a real difference. I would also like to thank the staff of Basildon Council for their excellent work for our community during these difficult times.”