EXTRA funding for Cornwall Council as part of a £1.6 billion package for councils during the COVID-19 pandemic has been welcomed.

The additional support was announced by Secretary of State for Local Government, Robert Jenrick, at the daily No.10 briefing on Saturday.

The money will help them to deal with the immediate impacts of coronavirus, taking the total funding to support councils to respond to the pandemic to over £3.2 billion.

Local Government Association Chairman Cllr James Jamieson said: ’Councils across the country are leading efforts to support communities through the unprecedented coronavirus crisis we face. They continue to do an amazing job.

’We are pleased the Government continues to recognise the huge efforts councils and our staff are making and has responded quickly to our deep concerns about the financial strains being placed on them by providing more desperately-needed new funding.

’Alongside previous money and measures, this will give councils breathing space.

’It is also reassuring that the Secretary of State has reiterated his promise today that councils will get all the resources they will need to cope with this pandemic.

’This commitment needs to be rock solid and consistent so councils can stay focused on leading the local response to the greatest challenge we have faced as a nation for decades.

’The pressures facing councils are significant, wide-ranging and vary from place to place and this funding will need to reach all councils.

’It is good that councils will be able to decide locally how best to spend it on the specific pressures they face in their local area.’

Mr Jenrick MP said: ’We stand shoulder to shoulder with local government and my priority is to make sure they are supported so they can continue to support their communities through this challenging time.

’Up and down the country, council workers are the unsung heroes as we tackle this virus.

’They are in the front line of the national effort to keep the public safe and deliver the services people need.

’Never has this been more important and we are all rightly grateful for everything that they are doing.

’This new funding will support them through immediate pressures they are facing to respond to coronavirus and protect vital services.’