BUDGET 2020: DISTRICT COUNCILS’ NETWORK RESPONDS TO CORONAVIRUS HARDSHIP FUND

Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement of a £500 million hardship fund in today’s Budget for councils to provide support to vulnerable people in their local areas, Cllr John Fuller OBE, Chairman of the District Councils’ Network, said:

“We are pleased the Chancellor has announced funding for councils to help working people suffering hardship as a result of the coronavirus. The District Councils’ Network had a significant say in the design of the fund and we are delighted to see this announced today.

“It is a time to focus on working quickly to solve problems,  which is what district councils do best. We are perfectly placed in the local community to deliver the support where it is needed most, creatively helping hard working families in whatever way they need.

“To make this investment really count it will be important for it to be channelled directly to district councils, and with full flexibilities and no ring fences so that we can rapidly respond to the range of issues this will throw up across our communities.

“There will be challenging weeks ahead for communities across the country. As ever, councils stand ready to deliver the vital services for families and businesses.”