BOROUGH chiefs are calling for more cash from Government to help cover the cost of Covid-19 – which is now estimated at £60 million.

Cheshire East Council says its resources are 'being stretched to the maximum' as it continues to lead the borough's response to coronavirus.

The local authority says it continues to face increased costs and demand at the same time as seeing a huge drop in income, which it insists is unsustainable.

Cllr Amanda Stott, cabinet member for finance, said: "The priority of this council is to keep the public and our staff safe. But this has come at a significant financial cost that goes far beyond additional funding provided by central government to date.

"Covid-19 leaves CEC already facing financial pressures of £60 million. And we are not alone.

"All councils face finding many millions of pounds due to the soaring costs of dealing with the pandemic, as well as huge falls in council income streams."

Cllr Stott points to additional millions of pounds spent on social care, personal protective equipment and housing rough sleepers during the pandemic, as well as the increased cost that social distancing puts on other services.

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CEC has received £19.7 million in extra funding from Government to help go towards the cost of Covid-19, but it is joining other councils in the Local Government Association and the County Councils Network in appealing for more.

"The government has given comprehensive protection to the health service and businesses and we want to work with government to deliver the same for councils," added Cllr Stott.

“After all, it is local councils, such as CEC, which are providing the vital local services that are supporting communities through this crisis and the national effort to beat this deadly disease.”

A spokesman for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: "Council workers are the unsung heroes as we tackle this pandemic and by providing councils with over £3.2 billion in the fairest way possible we’re working with them to tackle the immediate pressures they have told us they’re facing.

“Cheshire East will receive £19.7 million of this to deal with the pressures of coronavirus, while its core spending power rose by £20.9 million this financial year even before additional emergency funding was announced.

“The Government will continue to work closely with councils as the pandemic progresses."