County bosses say it is ‘too early’ to say how they will spend government cash intended to support the fight against Coronavirus.
Durham County Council is in line for ‘emergency funding’ to provide extra backing for services affected by the COVDI outbreak worth more than £18.5 million – the biggest single allocation in the North East.
It is hoped the money will ease pressure on front line help for the most vulnerable communities and families could have a knock-on effect of freeing bedspace and capacity in the region’s hospitals.
John Hewitt, the county council’s corporate director of resources, said: “The funding has only just been received from the government and it is too early to say exactly how it will be used.
“However we will be prioritising key services such as social care and supporting social care service providers through this difficult time.
“We are also redirecting council resources into our community hubs to ensure that we support people who need help and to coordinate the fantastic efforts of our community and voluntary groups that are helping people right across County Durham.”
Last month’s (March) government budget included a £5 billion ‘COVID-19 fund’ to manage fallout from the virus outbreak.
It has since been confirmed more than half has been set aside to ‘strengthen care for the vulnerable’ and help patients return home from hospital faster.
This includes £1.6 billion to be directed to local authorities.
According to ‘emergency funding’ allocations confirmed this week (March 30), Durham County Council is due to receive £18,588,256.
The next biggest grant among the 12 North East councils was to Newcastle City Council, which is expected to be handed about £10 million.
Fire services are also due to be given cash under the scheme, with £125,448 set aside for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority.
On top of this almost £7 million has been allocated to the county under the government’s Hardship Fund to help families struggling with council tax bills.
The government says it has pumped £500 million into the Hardship Fund to support the most vulnerable families and households affected most by coronavirus.
