LGA says they are pleased with financial sustainability
announcement
RESPONDING to the announcement in the Commons by Local
Government Minister, Simon Clarke, that the that the UK
Government was working on a:- "comprehensive plan to
ensure financial sustainability of Councils this financial
year," Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local
Government Association, said:- "We are
pleased that the Government has indicated it is working on a
comprehensive plan to address the ongoing financial challenges
councils face this financial year as they lead communities
through the COVID-19 crisis. We urge the Government to bring
forward details of this plan as soon as possible. Councils have
a legal duty to balance their budgets each year and are heavily
reliant on income from local taxation, commercial activity and
fees and charges. Confirmation of future funding, including
compensation for all lost income as a result of the pandemic
alongside extra cost and demand pressures; is vital if councils
are to avoid taking measures, such as in year cuts to local
services, to cope with funding shortfalls. Emergency Government
funding provided to Councils has helped in recent months.
Further funding and financial flexibilities are now needed to
help Councils meet a shortfall which we estimate could reach at
least a further £6 billion this year. The Government has shown a
commitment to fully understand the financial pressures facing
local services and councils are providing robust evidence each
month on the scale of the challenge they face. Not only do
councils need to be fully funded to continue supporting
communities through this immediate crisis but also to support
the nation as we tackle the unprecedented social and economic
task ahead and move into the next phase."
Total UK cases COVID-19 cases - update for Liverpool City Region
and surroundings
THE total number of UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections
that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by
1,056 cases and the total number now stand at 296,857, that
includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not
included in the 4 National totals.
Daily number of COVID-19 associated UK fatalities added to the
total, was sadly reported to be 38 according to the Department
of Health. The total number of deaths of people who have had a
positive test result confirmed by a Public Health or NHS
laboratory is 41,736.
In England, there are a total of 157,293 confirmed cases. North
West - total of 26,759 confirmed cases. The number of laboratory
confirmed cases within the following Local Authorities, in and
around the Liverpool City Region are as follows:-
► Liverpool, 1,665 confirmed cases.
► Sefton, 965 confirmed cases.
► Wirral, 1,343 confirmed cases.
► St. Helens, 759 confirmed cases.
► Halton, 411 confirmed cases.
► Blackpool, 676 confirmed cases.
► Blackburn with Darwen, 420 confirmed cases.
► Bolton, 1,044 confirmed cases.
► Bury, 803 confirmed cases.
► Cheshire West and Chester, 1,206 confirmed cases.
► Cheshire East, 1,303 confirmed cases.
► Lancashire, 3,792 confirmed cases.
► Manchester, 1,676 confirmed cases.
► Oldham, 1,138 confirmed cases.
► Rochdale, 861 confirmed cases.
► Stockport, 1,070 confirmed cases.
► Tameside, 832 confirmed cases.
► Trafford, 868 confirmed cases.
► Wigan, 1,230 confirmed cases..
UK Government Coronavirus Press
Conference on 15 June 2020