Commenting on funding announced today (Thursday) by local government secretary Robert Jenrick to help councils cope with the impact of coronavirus, UNISON head of local government Jon Richards said:
“Council workers are the unsung heroes who’ve been serving communities and keeping us safe throughout the pandemic.
“Local authorities are facing a massive funding gap, coupled with huge holes in their income from taxes, fees and charges, because of the virus. But services will be in even greater demand in the coming months as the UK copes with the coronavirus aftershocks.
“Ministers promised councils would be compensated for shortfalls. This announcement is welcome, but it’s nowhere near enough.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
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