Cash strapped Powys County Council (PCC) is set for a share of £30m which has been sent to the Welsh Government as part of emergency Covid-19 financial measures announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The regional authority has seen its finances impacted heavily by the pandemic, with some at County Hall fearing that Powys could be in for a £12 million hit.
The UK Government has dug deep to find £500 million that will be shared across the county councils, with Wales set for a 6% share.
A spokesperson at PCC told us this morning that it is too early to say what the local share will be, but it can’t come quick enough.
“The funding package is for councils at a UK level and will assist councils by supporting loss of income, this includes £30m for the Welsh Government,” the spokesperson told us. “It is now for Welsh Government to decide how it utilises that money.
“Welsh Councils are in constant dialogue with WLGA and Welsh Government about the financial support that can be offered and various funding support streams are already in place. Discussions are continuing on what support is available to support the council’s loss.”
On a national level, the money has been largely welcomed, but will it be enough to keep councils afloat?
“The further £500 million extra funding to help councils meet extra Covid-19 costs pressures is helpful but, in the context of the funding gap councils still face, substantial additional funding will be needed and we await further details on how this money will be distributed,” said Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association.