Scotland to receive extra funding worth £155m to help tackle coronavirus

Scotland will receive an additional £155 million in funding from the UK Government to help tackle coronavirus, it has been announced.

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick said the extra money would help councils

The cash, which is the result of Barnett consequentials, is in addition to the existing support programmes previously announced by ministers. It will be up to the Scottish Government to decide how the extra money will be spent.

The UK Government confirmed today it was offering local authorities in England £1.6 billion in funding to deal with the coronavirus emergency after complaints from councils that services could suffer.

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick said the extra money would boost the backing councils have received to cope with the pandemic to £3.2 billion

An extra £300 million will go to devolved administrations, with Scotland getting £155 million, Wales £95 million, and Northern Ireland £50 million.

Scotland Office minister Douglas Ross said: “The UK Government is doing whatever it takes to help people across the UK during the coronavirus crisis.

“This extra £155 million follows additional funding from the UK Government for council workers who are at the forefront of local efforts in keeping people safe and keeping public services open for those that need them the most.

“The new money for Scotland is on top of the substantial coronavirus funding package that has already been announced, meaning that Scotland will receive a total cash boost of more than £3.4 billion to help tackle coronavirus.

“We know that the current measures will remain in place for a further three weeks and people are facing many challenges. I would like to thank everyone who is following the advice to stay at home, as we protect our NHS and save lives.”