Sandwell Council urged to spend Covid cash on bail out for businesses
Sandwell Council chiefs have been urged to spend a chunk of nearly £8 million in government funding on bailing out businesses worst hit by the Covid pandemic.
The council is to receive £7.9m in additional support, with the cash aimed towards helping the authority to continue to deliver services and protect communities during lockdown.
The borough's three Conservative MPs have written to the authority's Labour leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, outlining a series of suggestions where the money – which is not ring-fenced – could be spent.
They have called for an extension of the council's discretionary grant for firms worst affected by lockdown measures, with businesses that missed out on the last round of funding prioritised.
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The MPs also suggested a rent reduction for market stall holders, as well as extra support for care homes, children's services, and leisure facilities. They also said the cash should ensure that grass cutting could be continued across the borough "to avoid overgrown areas".
The letter was signed by West Bromwich East MP Nicola Richards, West Bromwich West MP Shaun Bailey and Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris.
They say the list was compiled after funding suggestions were put forward by constituents. The letter concludes: "We have the utmost respect for everyone playing their part in this critical fight against Covid-19, and hope you will take on board our suggestions."
The three Tory MPs have previously clashed with council chiefs over delays to payments from the small business grants fund.
Local authorities across the Black Country are to receive around £24m in extra funding, with Wolverhampton in line for £6.1m.
Stuart Anderson, the Conservative MP for Wolverhampton South West, said he was pleased that ministers had responded to his calls for extra funding for the city.
He praised Wolverhampton Council for its work during the pandemic and said the authority had now received more than £25m in additional funding.
Mr Anderson added: "I will continue to work with all local partners including the City of Wolverhampton Council and I would like to thank them for consistent hard-work at this difficult time."
