£225k extra funding for Lewes District Council branded a ‘mockery’

On Thursday (October 22), it was announced that the district council is to receive the cash, which is a share of £900million in additional funding for local councils.

The news was welcomed by Lewes MP Maria Caulfield, who said it ‘will ease financial pressures on Lewes District Council and ensure it is able to continue providing vital local services this winter’.

But James MacCleary, leader of the district council, said: “I’m sure no one will be falling for this, but once again the Government have dreamt up a big sounding number that they know goes nowhere near covering the cost of Covid-19 to this or any other council.

“Council staff have gone above and beyond throughout the Covid-19 crisis and this latest derisory handout makes a mockery of the Government’s promise to meet the costs incurred by councils.”

Zoe Nicholson, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, also said: “The piecemeal approach to supporting councils to deliver essential services is like a slow motion car crash, at the same time, local businesses and residents struggle to pay their bills.

“We remain committed to delivering the best quality service we can for our residents, but unless longer term spending promises are honoured by the Government, next year looks deeply uncertain.”

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