Financial pressure on town and community councils

Local town and community councils are under financial pressure as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, Montgomeryshire's Member of the Senedd has warned.

Russell George has raised the matter with the Welsh Government's Minister for Local Government, Julie James.

He said the councils often raised additional funds through the provision of additional services, such as markets, tourist information and others.
 
Mr George said: "Like all organisations, town and community councils are not immune to the negative financial effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.
 
 
"As well as being funded from Welsh Government, town councils generate income by running services such as the Day Care Centre, Tourist Information Centre, the market and letting out community buildings.

"This source of funding has been lost and, as a result, they will be under financial pressure which could amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

"Given that some town and community councils don't keep massive reserves, I thought that it was important to raise this situation in the Senedd with the Minister.

"I'm pleased that the Minister confirmed that those facing the most financial hardship will be eligible to draw on the Covid-19 local government hardship fund.

"Town and community councils should discuss their positions with Powys County Council in the first instance. They can also approach the Welsh Government to present a case which lists the lost income and what mitigating arrangements they've put in place, so that they can submit a claim and be considered for the hardship fun."