Costs of coronavirus in Leeds reaches £200 million

Judith Blake has called for further government support as coronavirus costs in Leeds approach £200 million and threaten extra cuts to services.

The leader of Leeds City Council made the call after the authority released a series of reports today outlining its perilous financial position, one which has been significantly impacted by the costs of the pandemic, which have risen from £164.7 million last month to now stand at £197.6 million.

Leeds has received government funding of £43.7 million towards those costs from a pot of £3.2 billion, but the Local Government Association last month estimated a further £6 billion would be needed to support councils across the country in this financial year alone.

Blake said: “The reports published today show the massive impact coronavirus has had on our city, something which no-one could plan for and which has left us facing a financial challenge of unprecedented proportions. Without urgent government support, there is a very real threat of big cuts to council services that many people take for granted.  

“Over the last 10 years the council has managed to sensibly reduce spending in line with the budget cuts we have faced. Working with all our partners and the trade unions we were able to reduce the impact of cuts on the city, but the financial challenge posed by coronavirus is on a different scale altogether.

“We are therefore calling on the government for more financial support or clarity on flexible options which may be available to help us find solutions so we can continue to support and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities – who rely on our services now more than ever. The situation is clearly very serious. I hope the government hears us and acts so the council can protect services for the people of Leeds.”