Responding to today's government announcement on local government funding, Cllr Peter John OBE, Chair of London Councils, said:
“The Secretary of State is right to praise council workers as the unsung heroes of the Covid-19 crisis – and boroughs will be relieved to see his warm words backed up with this latest instalment of much-needed funding.
“Local government is playing a crucial role in the country’s response to coronavirus and our resources have come under unprecedented strain. For example, London boroughs have faced the challenge of both the highest coronavirus rates and the most severe homelessness crisis in the country. Boroughs are working flat-out to find suitable accommodation for thousands of rough sleepers – and this urgent work has massive cost implications for hard-pressed council finances.
“In this emergency situation, it’s vital central government ensures local services have the funding required to keep supporting communities. We will continue working with ministers to highlight the pressures on council budgets and to make sure extra funding reaches frontline services.”
ENDS