“The UK Government’s announcement today is recognition of the essential role of councils across the UK and the £95m consequential is a welcome contribution to the fight against Coronavirus in Wales. Councils’ work across the country has been nothing short of remarkable in recent weeks, including the role of our brilliant care workers who are essential to ease the huge pressure on the NHS.

“But councils are facing significant extra costs, £33m per month in loss of income and soaring demand pressures due to the crisis. Councils should not have to introduce more cuts to plug the funding gap. It’s vital that local services get this money to continue to help protect our precious health service.”

“Welsh Government’s decision to give council an advance on core funding instalments has helped cash flow. Leaders have appreciated regular dialogue with Welsh Government ministers to co-ordinate and share concerns and are similarly looking forward to the opportunity to speak with a Minister from the Wales Office on Monday.

“We’re pleased that the Welsh Government recognises the scale of the pressures facing councils and has joined councils to call on the UK Government to make good on budget shortfalls in-year, and echo the call across the UK for more funding to local government from the UK Chancellor.”

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