Local authorities across Devon have so far received an extra £167 million to support the delivery of vital services during the Covid-19 pandemic, with further funding confirmed from April. Devon County Council received £84 million with our district councils plus the unitary authorities of Plymouth and Torbay receiving £83 million.
Over half of the extra funding has not been ringfenced, meaning local leaders who know their communities best have been able to decide which local services should benefit. This could include counselling services, delivering essential supplies to vulnerable families and ensuring cherished green spaces are well maintained and Covid-secure.
Local authorities in England have also received over £2 billion in further grant funding since March 2020 to deliver specific schemes, such as providing emergency support for rough sleepers, preventing children from low income families from going hungry, setting up local test and trace services and introducing measures to make care homes, high streets and town centres Covid-secure.
Central Devon MP Mel Stride, who chairs the influential House of Commons Treasury Select Committee, said:
“The government has stepped in to support councils that have lost significant income from the closure of car parks, leisure centres and other revenue generators. The £167 million of additional support for authorities in Devon has made a big difference and a further £3 billion will be allocated to local authorities from April. I hope to see them channelling the funding towards those most in need and to help our small businesses.”