Leeds City Council calls for urgent government support as Covid-19 costs reach nearly £200-million

The Leader of Leeds City Council has called for urgent government support as the costs of coronavirus in the city approach £200million and threaten big cuts to services.

The council released a series of reports today (17 June) outlining its perilous financial position.

The position has been significantly impacted by the costs of Covid-19, which have risen from £164.7m last month to now stand at £197.6m.

Leeds City Council has received government funding of £43.7m towards those costs from a pot of £3.2billion, but the Local Government Association last month estimated a further £6billion would be needed to support councils across the country in this financial year alone.

The reports will be discussed by the council’s executive board at its meeting to be held online from 1pm on Wednesday 24 June.

Commenting on the reports, the Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: