Eastbourne to receive £1 million from government to help with pandemic

The grant of £1,026,186 is not ringfenced and can be used however the borough council sees fit.

It’s part of £1.6 billion the government has earmarked for councils across England to deal with the impacts of coronavirus.

Eastbourne and Willingdon MP Caroline Ansell has welcomed the news.

She said, “I’m delighted this substantial sum is coming to Eastbourne Borough Council and it shows the government is recognising that local authorities have extra challenges in dealing with the Coronavirus while revenue has fallen during the lockdown.

“I’m sure the money will be put to good use helping local people and services in this time of need.”

Councillor David Tutt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said, “The extra £1m the government has provided to Eastbourne Borough Council, out of the additional £1.6bn for local government in the fight against Covid-19, is very welcome.

“In common with all district councils across the country we have been working around the clock to tackle key issues which have arisen as a result of this pandemic, spending millions of pounds in the process.

“This cash injection will make a considerable difference to our ability to continue this work.”

The money has come from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

A spokesperson said, “The government has confirmed the funding will not be ringfenced, recognising councils are best placed to decide how to meet pressures in their local area.”

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