A letter outlining the financial impact of Covid-19 on council services and updating residents about the way Bath & North East Somerset Council is supporting communities during the Coronavirus outbreak is being sent to all households.
Residents in Bath and North East Somerset will receive the letter from council leader Dine Romero and chief executive Will Godfrey this week. It sets out the council’s key priorities to protect the most vulnerable, support businesses and maintain local services.
However it also highlights the financial impact of coronavirus on the council, with significant extra expenditure in areas including adult social care, waste collection and community support as well as big losses in income due to the closure of attractions such as the Roman Baths.
The extra expense and income loss added together is currently predicted to lead to a £50m shortfall in funding for council services this year. The overall net budget for the council to deliver all council services is £120 million.
According to MHCLG (Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government) figures, when compared to neighbouring local authorities Bath & North East Somerset Council has the highest proportion of its budget funded through income streams such as heritage services. Income from parking has also reduced significantly in recent weeks.
The letter, which is being sent to all households in the area, also sets out the support available from the council through the Compassionate Communities Hub as well as help available for business.
Councillor Dine Romero, council leader, said: “We’ve been keeping people in touch through e-newsletters, social media and local radio, but we recognise not everyone is online which is why we are sending these letters to people directly. We want to make sure as many residents as possible have the information they need including about our telephone helpline.
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