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 has released a series of reports outlining its “perilous” financial position.

It says its finances have been significantly impacted by the costs of Covid-19, which have risen from £164.7million last month to now stand at £197.6million.

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

Commenting on the reports, which were released on Tuesday, June 16, the Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: “The reports published today show the massive impact coronavirus has had on our city, something which no-one could plan for and which has left us facing a financial challenge of unprecedented proportions.

“Without urgent government support, there is a very real threat of big cuts to council services that many people take for granted.

“Over the last ten years the council has managed to sensibly reduce spending in line with the budget cuts we have faced. Working with all our partners and the trade unions we were able to reduce the impact of cuts on the city, but the financial challenge posed by coronavirus is on a different scale altogether.

“We are therefore calling on the government for more financial support or clarity on flexible options which may be available to help us find solutions so we can continue to support and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities – who rely on our services now more than ever.

“The situation is clearly very serious. I hope the government hears us and acts so the council can protect services for the people of Leeds.”

Government funding of £43.7million received so far includes £2.591million in the 2019/20 financial year.

The reports were discussed by the council’s executive board at its meeting on Wednesday, June 24.Visit the executive board meeting agenda at: https://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=102&MId=9946.