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<p>We have made £3.7 billion available to local authorities through an un-ringfenced
grant so they can address pressures they are facing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,
including expenditure pressures from adult social care. This includes £500 million
of additional funding announced by the Secretary of State on 2 July.</p><p>Over 90
per cent of the funding announced in March and April has been allocated to councils
with responsibility for social care services; allocations of the latest tranche of
£500 million will be shared in due course. Local authorities have also received £600
million through the Infection Control Fund to pass on to social care providers.</p><p>The
Department recognises the additional costs and pressures on finances councils are
facing as a result of the current Covid-19 crisis. We continue to engage regularly
with the local government sector, which includes our ongoing financial monitoring
survey and direct contact with councils and their representatives, local Leaders and
Chief Executives. We have also worked closely with CIPFA who have temporarily amended
their guidance on the use of section 114 notices to further encourage local authorities
to make contact with the Department in the first instance to advise of any immediate
financial concerns.</p><p> </p>
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