More Covid-19 funding for Dorset Council

This is the fourth tranche of funding that's been given out to local councils since the pandemic began.

The money isn't 'ringfenced', so it can be used for any Covid-related costs that Dorset Council faces.

The Government says it's to 'ensure (authorities) have the resources they need to keep providing vital services over the winter'.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said:

"Since the start of the pandemic, we have backed local councils with the funding they need to support their communities, protect vital services and recover lost income.

"This extra £1billion funding will ensure councils have the resources they need over the winter and continue to play an essential role on the front line of our response to the virus, while protecting the most vulnerable and supporting local businesses."

This is just the latest funding that's been handed to Dorset Council during the pandemic.

They've already had £54 million given to them for Covid-related costs, as well as £28 million from the Government to be passed on to the local community as grant funding.

That includes support for self-employed people and businesses, distributed by local councils.

MORE MONEY ON ITS WAY?

The Government's also setting aside a £100 million pound fund to support council-run leisure centres across the country.

That's aimed at 'boosting health and wellbeing' as the pandemic goes on.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

"It's vital that we keep ourselves fighting fit through the winter months and local authority leisure centres are crucial to this."