The cost of employing new Covid marshals could bankrupt cash-strapped councils, Labour has warned.
New research by the party found costs could reach £85 million for local authorities amid drastic cuts to council budgets due to a £10 billion funding gap.
Councils have been left in the dark about how marshals will be trained or paid for.
Analysis by Labour found that hiring 30 marshals for a 37.5 hour working week at living wage rates would cost £84.9 million, while hiring just 10 marshals would cost £28 million.
Under plans announced by Boris Johnson last week, local authorities will be encouraged to hire marshals, or use volunteers and existing council employees to patrol towns and cities to help ensure social distancing rules are followed.
No10 admitted later that no extra funding had been made available and marshals would not be employed by the Government.
From Monday, police have powers to fine people flouting "rule of six" restrictions, which limit gatherings to six people or fewer.
However the marshals have no powers of arrest. They could do things like give out hand sanitiser and face coverings, answer questions or clean handrails, No10 said previously.
Shadow Communities Secretary Steve Reed said: "Councils have no idea what Covid marshals are supposed to do or how they will be trained.
"Now the Government is flip-flopping on funding at a time when many councils are already facing bankruptcy because of broken Government promises.
“This incompetent Government needs to get a grip, stick to their funding promises, and help communities through this crisis instead of chasing headlines and creating chaos by making up policy on the hoof.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said they did not recognise the figures, adding: "We will be setting out further details about Covid-secure marshals in due course.
“We are encouraging the introduction of marshals to help support our high streets and public spaces, making sure people feel safe to enjoy them.
"Some areas of the country have already introduced marshals to support the public in following the guidelines in a friendly way and we will be working with councils to see where else they are needed."
