This is how much the Covid-19 pandemic has cost Chesterfield Borough Council

Since March, the authority has lost £7.2m in income from services it provides, including car parks, leisure centres and theatres.

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It has also made extra spending of £1.6m – meaning the crisis has cost the council a total of £8.8m to date.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the Labour-controlled authority, said she had written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson asking for reassurances that the council would be ‘compensated in full’ – and added ‘we remain confident of achieving a balanced budget this financial year’.

She said: “Our latest monthly return to Government shows that the Covid-19 pandemic has to date cost Chesterfield Borough Council £8.8m, £1.6m in extra costs and £7.2m in lost income.

“We have received Government support towards some of the extra costs incurred and have taken a number of other steps to support the council’s budget position including furloughing council staff, bidding for grant aid for our theatres, and making claims to the Government’s income compensation scheme.

“Government told us in March to spend whatever it takes to support our communities through this unprecedented public health crisis, and we have done just that.

“In April, I wrote to the Prime Minister asking for his assurance that the council would be compensated in full.

“I have yet to receive that assurance, so my ask of him remains the same today as it was then.”

The Derbyshire Times asked where possible cuts might be made by the authority next year – and also if residents can expect to see a rise in their council tax for 2021-22.

Coun Gilby said: “While we remain confident of achieving a balanced budget this financial year, it is too early to comment on the position for future financial years.

“We are currently progressing a full, detailed review of the council’s budgets and are awaiting further information from Government on next year’s financial settlement.”

The Governent said the total funding provided directly to councils during the pandemic so far stands at £6.4billion.

Robert Jenrick, Local Government Secretary, said: “Since the start of the pandemic, we have backed local councils with the funding they need to support their communities, protect vital services and recover lost income.”

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