Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick has confirmed that Derby will receive a further £6.2 million to support the Council’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To date, Derby has received £23.2 million of Government funding, which has aided efforts to support local communities and businesses, much of which Government has tasked local authorities to deliver on their behalf.

Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council has welcomed the announcement, and recognises that councils need to be further supported while they deal with the next phase of the pandemic;

The continued commitment from Government to support our response to COVID-19, and manage its impact is very much welcomed. Since the start of the pandemic, we have moved mountains to help vulnerable people get the health and care that they need. Working with partners we have supported our local communities, helped business and workforces to stay resilient, and kept people informed, all whilst maintaining essential services.

We are expected to deliver more and more of the response required to deal with the new challenges thrown up by COVID-19, and as such, Derby City Council will continue to seek the further future funding necessary to ensure that we can carry on doing the right thing for Derby, without being constrained by finances.

The announcement has been acknowledged by local MPs, who have commended the positive contribution for Derby, and the council’s efforts to-date.

Pauline Latham MP for Mid Derbyshire said:

I am delighted the Government has recognised Derby’s efforts to help everyone, but especially the most vulnerable, during this terrible time. Money won’t solve the situation, but it takes away much of the worry for the City Council so that they can concentrate on making the lives of the citizens of Derby much better.

While Amanda Solloway MP for Derby North added:

This funding is incredibly welcomed here in Derby and is advantageous to our plans to bounce back from the pandemic. I’m excited to see how this will enable us to advance the city and I will be speaking with Derby City Council closely to discuss future plans as we move forward.

Talking about the challenges to come, and the need to continue strong partnership working, Cllr Poulter concludes:

It is clear that the social and economic impact of the pandemic is far from over. With the appropriate funding we can continue to work with partners across the city to support our communities and businesses through these unprecedented and difficult times.