Staffordshire County Council predicting overspend of almost £2 million amid coronavirus
Staffordshire County Council is forecasting an overspend of almost £2 million mainly due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Authority chiefs said Government support had been welcomed but fell a "bit short" in balancing the books.
But they have reassured people they will do "what is needed" to ensure services continue despite the predicted £1.8 million overspend.
Councillor Mike Sutherland, cabinet member for finance, said: "Coping with the Covid-19 pandemic continues to put extra pressures on our finances, but we continue to manage them effectively and we will do what is needed and spend what is required to support those who need it.
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"We are forecasting an overspend of just under £2 million this year, mostly due to the effects of Covid-19. We have already received an extra government grant, which is welcome, but it is still a bit short compared to the overall financial impact this year.
"The financial impact of the pandemic in future years also remains a serious concern as does the impact on council tax and business rates collection."
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A report, set to be discussed by the authority on Wednesday, will highlight the overspend and how the authority has helped businesses and workers throughout the pandemic – with four million items of personal protective equipment (PPE) handed to care workers and frontline staff.
Councillor Alan White, leader of the county council, said: "Throughout the pandemic we have continued to support those who need us most, including the care sector, vulnerable families and local businesses.
"We continue to support the care sector and frontline workers and up to now have distributed over four million items of PPE. This has helped ensure every care home and care provider in Staffordshire has what it needs to care for the most vulnerable.
"We continue our efforts to control the spread of the virus. Our Covid-19 Local Outbreak Control Plan continues to help manage local outbreaks and preparations for winter planning are ongoing, with additional capacity being secured to deal with the increase in extra cases.
"We will continue to do what we can and spend what is needed to control the virus, but we still need longer-term help from the Government to face issues such as funding adult social care and children’s and family services. We need the Government to work with us in finding a long term sustainable solution."
Councillor White said they had a "huge amount of work to do" to control the virus and deal with its impact – but stressed everyone needed to play their part in curbing the spread.
