Financial pressures faced by local authorities as a result of the covid-19 outbreak

That this House pays tribute to the leadership and invaluable role local councils are playing in the response to covid-19, supporting communities, providing essential services, and protecting the most vulnerable; notes with concern that the additional funding allocated to local councils by the Government does not cover the additional costs associated with covid-19; further notes with concern the findings by the Local Government Association that highlighted the extent of the funding gap facing local councils, including Wakefield Council which covers Hemsworth constituency and is facing a £20.3 million funding gap for financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22; and calls on the Government to engage with local councils to provide the necessary funding to enable those councils to meet all extra cost pressures and income losses and rebuild their communities.