Extra £100,000 to help Harrogate through pandemic welcomed by council leader

The new money means Harrogate has now received more than £1.9m in government support since the start of the virus outbreak which has left a £9m hole in its finances.

The cash has not been ring-fenced - meaning the Conservative-run council will decide how it will be spent to best protect public health, vulnerable people and the running of vital council services.

Council leader Richard Cooper said: “Like all local authorities, our budgets have been hit hard as we support our communities and vulnerable residents.

“But we must continue to prioritise spending on front line services, community facilities, the homeless and those at risk of homelessness, and supporting the voluntary organisations that make our area the special place it is.

“This additional funding will be very much welcome but doesn’t cover the deficit that we believe to be in the region of £9million."

Despite the deficit, councillor Cooper said the authority remains in a "relatively strong financial position".

Harrogate school offers free meal vouchers for families to use over half term

The latest funding is part of a £1bn package to help local authorities across the country continue their ongoing work to support communities during the pandemic.

To address the ongoing challenges council leisure centres are facing, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has also confirmed that £100m will be shared by centres most in need.

Further details on the new scheme will be released in the coming days.

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick MP said: “Since the start of the pandemic, we have backed local councils with the funding they need to support their communities, protect vital services and recover lost income.

“This extra £1 billion funding will ensure that councils have the resources that they need over the winter and continue to play an essential role on the front line of our response to the virus while protecting the most vulnerable and supporting local businesses.”

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter