More money for Councils
The government has recognised that Councils have incurred higher costs as a result of the pandemic and policy responses to it. Parliament has approved two tranches of £1.6bn each and a third tranche of £500m this month to help Councils meet their greater obligations. I have supported the case for Wokingham and West Berkshire as have other MPs for their areas.
In total West Berkshire is receiving an additional £8,597,006 and Wokingham £8,302,714. The share of the latest tranche is £1,015,669 to Wokingham and £1,037,936 to West Berkshire.
There is also a scheme for government to reimburse Councils for the bulk of the loss of income they have incurred from facilities like car parks during the lock downs.