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Labour Group leader on Newark and Sherwood District Council calls on Newark MP and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick to commit 'proper' support to local councils




The Labour Group leader on the district council has called on Newark MP Robert Jenrick to clarify the government’s position on supporting local authorities as they emerge from the coronavirus crisis.

Paul Peacock said one of his biggest worries was the commitment to local councils, something he said stemmed from yearly government cuts to Newark and Sherwood District Council since 2010.

Paul Peacock. (36047910)
Paul Peacock. (36047910)

“Newark MP Robert Jenrick’s role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government means he is well placed to make the case for properly funded local councils,” said Mr Peacock.

Mr Peacock said he was in awe of the professionalism, resilience and courage of the people keeping the country going, including district council employees — but the response had come at a remarkable cost.

“I am concerned about the spiralling costs of dealing with covid-19 and how our council can manage a balanced budget with this extra burden,” he said.

“Question marks over the government’s commitment to local councils were seemingly answered back in March when Mr Jenrick announced ‘everyone needs to play their part to help the most vulnerable in society and support their local economy, and the government will do whatever is necessary to support these efforts.’ Clearly the government was making a pledge to cover the costs of the district council’s response to covid-19.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick. (35464861)
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick. (35464861)

“Mr Jenrick’s pledge therefore was great news — councils could do ‘whatever is necessary’ to support local communities without impacting on future budgets.

“However, as local council covid-19 response costs across the country are topping £10bn, the government is now rowing back on their pledge.

“At a time when many councils are on the brink of a Northampton County Council-style collapse, this is not good news.

“I have a simple message to Mr Jenrick: Support local councils, acknowledge their worth, invest in them and commit proper long-term funding to them.”

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesman said: “Across the country we are providing councils with an unprecedented £3.2bn, plus £600m to fight infections in care homes.

“As Secretary of State, Mr Jenrick has regular conversations with the chief executive and the leader of the district council to make sure any local concerns are understood and addressed.

“Newark and Sherwood’s own self-reported data returns show the additional £1.2m in funding they have received is more than sufficient to cover their needs in terms of covid-related expenditure and income loss.

“To suggest otherwise is misleading.

“The government will continue to work closely with Newark and Sherwood council and all local authorities to assess their costs as they support their communities through this national emergency.”



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