The Council is however fully aware of its obligations to manage its finance and as recommended in the report on 6 May 2020 a further report on addressing the shortfall is to be presented to the next meeting of the Urgent Business Committee on 30 June 2020 in order that it maintains a balanced budget for the year.

“We urgently need clear guarantees from the Government that it will fulfil its promise and close the funding gap, otherwise the government will be choosing to cut frontline services and local people will inevitably suffer.

The restructuring of the Council’s business model will lead to a new Medium-Term Financial Strategy and will consider the use of reserves, borrowing, a reduction in the Capital Plan, reducing costs, a reduction in or cessation of services and recruitment. It will be for the Council to determine which of these measures to implement.

late August/early September 2020

A range of options will be considered to address any funding gap, including use of Reserves and adjustments to planned spending. The main issue is the scale of the financial impact from COVID-19 and its duration – the longer and deeper the impact the greater the Council will rely on additional government funding or, if that is not forthcoming, significant reductions in services will be required. The Council cannot increase Council Tax for 2020/21 during the year, but, as is always the case, the setting of Council Tax will be considered each and every year based upon circumstances at that time.

“Without this additional funding, Islington and many other councils will be forced to make difficult decisions around the provision of vital services. Social care accounts for a significant proportion of what councils spend, and without additional funding the task of providing high-quality care to those that need it most will become even more challenging.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

The Council has agreed an emergency financial plan and continues to meet regularly to monitor the situation.

The funding supports referred to apply to England. On the 19 May in Northern Ireland, the Minister for Communities announced a funding package of £20.3m to be allocated between 11 Councils. An S114 notice under the Local Government Finance Act 1988 does not apply to Northern Ireland. The Council has agreed an emergency financial plan and continues to meet regularly to monitor the situation.

“We need the Government to come good on its promise to do ‘whatever it takes’ to fund the support and care our friends, family and neighbours rely on.”

We have received some emergency funding from the Scottish Government. This includes: Additional revenue funding = £2.776m (announced but not yet received), Hardship fund = £0.895m, Food fund = £0.440m. Further funding has been announced in relation to the Food Fund. The council will be considering in due course as to how it will meet any estimated deficit.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

Council notes this is a request from BBC England, as we are a Northern Ireland Council S114 does not apply, nor do we report to MHCLG, therefore the link you supplied does not apply. However, we note that all local Authorities are facing financial challenges as a direct result of the pandemic

It is monitoring how to meet the shortfall

https://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/documents/g10197/Public%20reports%20pack%2017th-Jun-2020%2019.00%20Policy%20and%20Resources%20Committee.pdf?T=10

Cancelled revenue investment and capital programmes

https://www.councillorsupport.bedford.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=116&MId=5132&Ver=4

Belfast City Council is continually reviewing its finances in light of the continuing pandemic and impact that will have on our annual revenue budget. Whilst we are anticipating a shortfall, at this stage it is not possible to put a figure on what any shortfall may. This is due to the uncertainty of the impact on the rate base as this makes up 79% of the councils funding.

The Council is engaged in ongoing discussions with the government around further funding support, and freedoms and flexibilities that the government could provide to support the rectification of the budget gap caused by Covid-19 in both 2020/21 and 2021/22. At some point and depending on the outcome of these discussion there could well be a reset of the Council’s budget.

Given the size of the shortfall both in 2020-21 and 2021-22 the filing of a s114 notice would not rectify this situation

At this point we do expect that government will make further funding available to local government to cover the additional costs incurred, and income losses sustained, as a result of COVID – this is based on the promises made and commitments given by Robert Jenrick on 16th March.If no funding is forthcoming from Central Government, then we would have little choice other than to revert to statutory services only. However although that would reduce future costs, the costs of implementing the cessation of all other services would be more than the council could afford to pay.

Working balances and earmarked reserves, though we still do expect the Government to honour its commitment to ensure that all councils have the funding they need to do whatever it takes to keep supporting communities, local economies, the care sector and health service during the COVID-19 crisis.

Coronavirus is profoundly impacting on council finances in all of the UK nations. But it is imperative to note that the context is entirely different and distinct in each nation. The Welsh Government recently announced a Supplementary Budget and, through the WLGA, all local authorities are working closely with the Welsh Government on spending pressures and lost income.

At this stage an emergency budget is not planned but this is very dependent on future government funding announcements. If further funding support is not announced over the summer, an emergency budget is likely to be required in early Autumn.

“It remains too early to anticipate the financial impact that will occur as a result Covid-19, much will depend on how long the pandemic continues. However, the impact on Bromley Council’s budget is likely to be very significant and is currently estimated as up to £50m.

Depending on what our additional costs, loss of income and government funding looks like, we may have to look to make costs savings but cuts to front line services are the very last thing we would consider at this difficult time for the council, residents and local businesses.

Report to be taken to cabinet

“Bromley is an extremely well-managed Council, so we have not had to make cuts to services at this point, but the Council will continue to seek funding for these additional costs from Government and will monitor the position closely, taking action where appropriate.

"We will need to identify savings in-year, as we do not have sufficient reserves to meet these costs."

If the government does not fully compensate the Council we will need to identify savings in-year, as we do not have sufficient reserves to meet these costs.

Covid-19 crisis will almost certainly have a long term impact on the Council’s financial position and require the Council to review its medium term financial strategy to ensure that the Council is still able to deliver the outcomes of Camden 2025, support the renewal of the borough, and maintain the financial resilience of the Council. Though, the precise impact remains difficult to predict at this early stage. Officers will continue to report the Council’s financial position to Cabinet at regular intervals in line with the existing governance arrangements

Councillor Richard Olszewski, Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation at Camden Council, said: “Our principle throughout this crisis has been that no-one in Camden will be left behind as a result of this virus – and our financial response has been to support the most vulnerable in our communities. Securing hotel accommodation to get people rough sleeping off our streets into a safe place where they can self-isolate. Council Tax holidays and emergency payments for families who have seen their income disappear. Grants and partnerships with our fantastic voluntary and community organisations to deliver food, and specialist interventions to help those experiencing domestic violence.

https://cardiff.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=151&MId=4176&Ver=4&LLL=0

https://www.cardiffnewsroom.co.uk/releases/c25/24030.html

Difficult to conclude whether a deficit financial position will occur at the moment, however should this occur the Council will consider all options with the objective of having the least impact on the County and it’s electorate. The process will include re-prioritisation of service expenditure, review of the Capital Programme and consideration of usage and re-prioritisation of reserves.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

Additional costs but also significant loss of income...assessing how much of this is likely to be a permanent loss vs timing issue...remain concerne...whether funding sufficient for long term, as opposed to immediate, financial impacts.

No specific forecast has been produced and a watchful brief is being kept on any potential net costs not funded by WG grants

https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_information/media_hub/media_releases/cheshire-east-presses-government-for-additional-funding-to-meet-costs-of-covid-19.aspx

http://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/s69253/Covid-19%20Response%20and%20Financial%20Implications%20Cabinet%20Report%2010%20June%202020.pdf

If there is no further funding from Government, the Council proposes to make up the shortfall in 2020-21 in a number of ways, subject to Cabinet approval on Wednesday. These include funding from a reserve set aside at the end of the previous financial year, reallocating spending plans for this financial year (including savings as a result of current vacancies and reduced operating costs as a result of facilities being closed) and using money from the general reserves.
Any use of Council reserves would require these to be repaid over a period of three years and, as a result, will adversely impact on the Council’s ability to deliver services.

Our anticipated costs relating to the current COVID crisis, assuming the status quo up to the end of July, are estimated at £30.4m against the £18.9 million we have received from Government. This leaves a current shortfall for the Council of £11.5m that will need to be funded from within existing Council budgets if no further funding is allocated.
This forecast does not include the potential impact on the Council Tax and Business Rates Collection Funds - each 2% reduction in the collection rate, equates to a loss of income to the Council of around £4.5 million.
This crisis comes at a time when local government has seen 10 years of continued austerity: for Cheshire West and Chester this amounts to approximately £380m of cuts to our budget up to March 2021.

https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s24143/6.4%20-%20Revenue%20Budget%20Update%2020.21.pdf

We’ll be working to narrow our budget gap, but we’ll also require additional financial support.' (Full extended comment in email) Unclear if council tax rise already planned.

Figures taken from meeting papers (linked), taking predicted losses (£101.5m) less gov funding (£17.7m). Use of reserves and savings to meet forecast deficit not included, for consistency of comparison.

The Council is monitoring the financial situation as a result of the increased pressures from COVID19 and will prepare reports for Council to consider in due course.

We are unable to provide detailed information at this time, the position is uncertain

https://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/documents/s135384/Cornwall%20Councils%20response%20to%20Coronavirus%20and%20our%20approach%20to%20recovery%20and%20renewal%20-%20Report.pdf

[Extracted from cabinet paper] 'the Council’s financial position is currently unstable, but our cash and
reserves position are strong which gives us resilience in the short term.'

[Extracted from cabinet paper] 'the Council’s financial position is currently unstable, but our cash and reserves position are strong which gives us resilience in the short term.'...The impact of COVID-19 on the Council’s finances - there is a risk that the impact of COVID-19 on the Council’s financial position will be far greater than the amount of support given by the Government to cover the impacts. Mitigation: The Section 151 officer will bring forward a detailed report to Cabinet in July setting out the proposed action plan for ensuring that the authority can live within its means within the agreed budget framework set by full Council.

https://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/documents/s135384/Cornwall%20Councils%20response%20to%20Coronavirus%20and%20our%20approach%20to%20recovery%20and%20renewal%20-%20Report.pdf

https://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/documents/s135385/Cornwall%20Councils%20response%20to%20Coronavirus%20and%20our%20approach%20to%20recovery%20and%20renewal%20-%20Appendix%201%20Sum.pdf 'The estimated loss to the tourism sector in Cornwall by the end of June 2020 is £630m, and this does not take into account the strong linkages between the visitor economy and other sectors such as food and drink and the maritime sector that are experiencing significantly reduced demand due to the lockdown of the visitor economy.'

https://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/18489786.cornwall-council-says-will-need-government-funding-cover-spending-coronavirus-measures/

The council presently holds a General Reserve of £23.7 million' (Note shortfall is £17million)

The council presently holds a General Reserve of £23.7 million and at this stage is not planning an emergency budget.

The Council is in a strong position to manage its overall financial position'

https://democracy.croydon.gov.uk/documents/s21913/Covid%2019%20update.pdf

No response from press office, extracted cabinet papers

There is a risk that the government may not fund all costs incurred as a result of Covid-19 and we know now that our costs will be greater than the funding allocated to date but at the time of writing we have no reason to believe this with both the Secretary of State and Minister for Regional Growth and Local
Government have said in letters to local authorities that they will be funded for costs arising as a result of Covid-19'

Likely a combination of all three [methods of meeting shortfall], but until we know the total cost, it’s difficult to specify – Cumbria is 11 years in to austerity, with savings made so far of over £250m, plus several severe weather events in recent e.g. Storm Desmond (approx. £500m cost to county), Beast from the East – so we are used to setbacks and re-budgeting'

In-year budget management, reviewing the capital programme and if necessary through short term use of reserves.

The Council expects funding provided from Government will cover costs and foregone income for approximately 5 – 6 months of 2020/21. There could be further pressures, people struggling to pay Council Tax and Business Rates as normal, though this may be deferrals in payment rather than lost income in the long term

We will have exhausted the current funding received in mid-July. It's too early to publicly state the need for either a S114 notice or other measures while awaiting further communication from Government on potential further support.

Derry City and Strabane District Council is forecasting losses of £10.747m for this financial year 2020/21. This will be reduced by the £1.29m allocated in the Government grant and the £1.25m from the furlough scheme. NI Council’s have also secured a combined £3.8m from DAERA in respect of waste management costs and we will be entitled to a share of this which is not yet confirmed.

Appealing for central government to cover full COVID related costs 'as promised'. 'Primarily from reserves', capital program has already been significantly constrained. Other cost savings will be identified. Council tax rise 'would only be part of a budget for future years'.

We are continuing to make our case clearly to government for further funding to cover the full budget overspend. Primarily the shortfall will be funded from reserves. The capital program has already been significantly constrained. Other cost savings will be identified.

Postition may have to be reviewed depending on severity of the ongoing impact.

The Council is currently reviewing all income and expenditure and a detailed report will be submitted to the Council's Policy and Resources Committee once this work is finalised.

It is currently assumed that these additional costs will be met in full from the additional funding that is being made available by the UK and Scottish Governments and by reallocating existing Council budgets where appropriate.“There is a real risk, however, that government funding and the reallocation of existing Council budgets will not prove sufficient to fully cover the Council’s additional costs. In this event, it would be necessary to access the Council’s scarce uncommitted reserves and contingencies, or take alternative remedial actions.

The net financial pressure is currently around £32m, which is the equivalent of a 62% shortfall for the council in meeting these costs.

Like many councils we will likely see an adverse impact on services, which is to be expected. Councils simply do not have budgets on a scale to mitigate international health pandemics. We remain hopeful that the government will honour its funding promises for local authorities for the continuing response to this pandemic.

The 2020/21 revenue budget is currently being reviewed and will be reported to Elected Members through the Executive Committee on 30 June 2020. It is anticipated that the review will highlight significant additional expenditure and a reduction in income due to the Covid pandemic and the adverse impact on the 2020/21 budget will require to be discussed and remedial action recommended to bring the budget back into balance. The precise recovery measures will be determined by Members in due course.

Costs to be outlined in upcoming revenue reports. Working with Scottish Gov to ensure 'appropriate funding'

https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/16539/members_library_service

“As noted in paragraph 3.14 of the recent report, the scale of challenge already faced along with what may lie ahead will require a significant review of all approved financial plans for 2020/21 as part of our in-year financial reviews, and this may also require modification to our approved financial strategy. We want to work with COSLA and the Scottish Government to ensure that our response and recovery actions are fully funded and not to the detriment of the core council services upon which our communities rely.”

“At this time no arrangements have been made for an emergency budget. As noted in paragraph 3.14 of the recent report, the scale of challenge already faced along with what may lie ahead will require a significant review of all approved financial plans for 2020/21 as part of our in-year financial reviews, and this may also require modification to our approved financial strategy.”

A finance report will be presented to Council on 24 June. This will present information and forecasts but will not be an emergency budget report.

Emergency budget will be presented to meetings of the Cabinet and Full Council in July. The agendas and links to how to view will be published on the council's website five working days before the meeting

"should the government renege on its commitment to fund the costs of dealing with this crisis, our ability to deliver services will be severely hampered

https://www.essex.gov.uk/news/essex-county-council-sets-out-its-financial-position-in-light-of-covid-19

Council predicts "significant shortfall" but does not know how much yet

The Council has been recently advised that additional funding of £1.795 million will be provided by the Department for Communities and this together with other mitigating action and general reverses will be considered to address the financial position.

The Council has been recently advised that additional funding of £1.795 million will be provided by the Department for Communities and this together with other mitigating action and general reverses will be considered to address the financial position.

Currently, we are projecting a deficit of around £13m to the end of this month. However, we are still very much in the response phase of this situation and where that number goes beyond that is dependent on various factors – from how quickly we move through unlocking at a national level, to how long we are required to support shielding.

A Gloucester City Council spokesperson said: “The Council is actively monitoring the financial impact of Covid-19 and is expecting an announcement about additional funding in the near future. Decisions about next steps will be made following this announcement. The Council has no plans to file a s114 notice.”

The coronavirus pandemic has touched every aspect of the Council’s work, and we will be at front line as the country recovers. Businesses will need support to get back on their feet, schools will reopen for children who have been stuck at home for months and our social care services will help an increasing number of vulnerable residents. It’s also clear that many services will not be the same, and we’ll need to consider a wide range of options, both in-year and beyond, if the government doesn’t provide the support we need. After a decade of cuts, any sizeable financial gap will require equally sizeable actions to balance the books. That would inevitably mean cutting services, with potentially far-reaching consequences for residents. We need the government to provide councils with all the funding we need to help the country rebuild after this pandemic

We do expect there to be an income shortfall in 2020/21, while fixed costs and additional costs due to Covid-19 must be met. We are working closely with the Welsh Government and the Welsh Local Government Association to deal with the potential financial shortfalls which are likely to be faced by all 22 councils across Wales due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Welsh Government has announced a package of funding to help local authorities with this loss of income and we are currently awaiting details. Until then, it will not be possible to determine the forecasted shortfall.

The scale of the budget gap is big - equivalent to half of our entire Government cuts since 2010 in just one year. More on that

https://news.hackney.gov.uk/coronavirus-budget-gap-equivalent-to-half-of-austerity-cuts-report-reveals/

Cabinet meeting in July to discuss

Council leader Keith Mans: "As anticipated, our response to the fast-moving Covid-19 pandemic is incurring additional costs for the County Council. We have needed to take considerable additional action as the crisis has developed – including coping with the challenges faced by care homes, caring for vulnerable children, supporting the local economy and re-positioning public-facing services.

We continue to monitor the impact on the County Council’s budget, and regularly report to Government our financial forecasts and updated figures. The forecast shortfall reported to Cabinet in May was £21.6m, but this is a snapshot based on early data up to the end of June and will change as the situation develops, and in light of Government guidance on what to include and the time period."

The government has so far awarded £15.4million to Haringey Council in emergency grants, but that still leaves the council’s General Fund £30million worse off as it stands in addition to the £16million income collection deficit and the £8million Housing Revenue Account loss.

https://www.haringey.gov.uk/news/financial-impact-covid-19

As previously states the financial impact of the COVID 19 emergency is being considered alongside the published MTFS, covering the current financial year and 2021/22 and 2022/23. This is a very important piece of work and it would not be prudent to make any final decisions assumptions on deficit management until the work is complete and there is further understanding on how the Government intend to fully compensate Local Government in 2020/21 and in future years.

https://democracy.havering.gov.uk/documents/s44344/Supp%202%20April%20Monitoring%20Report%20v4.pdf

https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/12557/impact_of_covid-19_on_highland_council_budget

A Budget Recovery Group is to be established and will meet regularly, reporting to Committee.

Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Cabinet Member for Finance & Corporate Services at Hounslow Council said:

Plans to address in 2020-21 budget

As at 31 March 2020, the Council held £7.1m as general reserves

"Hounslow Council is forecasting an in year shortfall as the financial implications arising from COVID19 on the council's finances is anticipated to be much greater than the level of funding currently provided by central government. Based on our initial estimates, the shortfall could be in the region of c£15m. However, the situation changes daily and the implications on the council finances beyond the immediate horizon is unknown. The council is monitoring this closely".

See quote - predicts vital services will be cut

Cllr Richard Watts, Leader of Islington Council, said: “Islington Council is working tirelessly to continue to provide vital services and keep residents safe during the Covid-19 emergency.

Seeking Government support but reserves / savings / cancelled capital programme would all be options

"Seeking Government support but reserves / savings / cancelled capital programme would all be options but all impact on Council’s viability / critical services in near and medium term."