Mansfield politician hails extra coronavirus funding a 'victory for democracy'

Extra funding that is set to be made available to councils in order to cover additional costs incurred during the coronavirus crisis has been hailed as a ‘victory for the democratic’ process by a Mansfield politician.
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An additional £500 million is to be shared out between councils across the country to support with the pressures of the coronavirus crisis.

Andy Abrahams, leader of the Labour Group for Mansfield described the announcement as a ‘victory for the democratic process’

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He said: “It’s great news for Mansfield - we have been asking the government to keep their promise to do ‘whatever it takes’ to help local government to look after communities through this crisis, and this is proof that persistence and fighting for Mansfield has paid off.

Andy Abrahams, leader of the Labour Group for MansfieldAndy Abrahams, leader of the Labour Group for Mansfield
Andy Abrahams, leader of the Labour Group for Mansfield

“Getting more funding for us is a victory for the democratic process.

“More encouraging is our ability to be reimbursed 75p in every £1 of lost income for car parking and the theatre where losses are over 5% of our planned income.

“These payments will definitely help us in our mission to protect our services to the community.”

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The Government is also set to bring in changes which mean councils can spread their tax deficits over three years, which Mr Abrahams says is ‘most welcome’.

He added: “We have been asking for a longer period of time to balance our budgets, so the government bringing in changes on this are most welcome.”

Reflecting on his recent disagreements with Ben Bradley MP, he also said: “Obviously we won’t always see eye to eye, but by listening to each other in a professional manner we end up finding compromise.

“Working as a team we can deliver together and protect our services.

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“Our council officers have done such a brilliant job providing the information to government and I will continue to shout up to ensure that Mansfield gets its fair share of funding”

Ben Bradley MP said of the announcement: “I’m pleased Government is meeting its commitments to Mansfield, as promised, and this funding will help to safeguard local services for the future.

“I’m glad Mr Abrahams has now accepted that Government is delivering for our area and doing a good job of fulfilling those promises.’’

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