Mansfield mayor says council has been 'the fourth emergency service' during lockdown

It’s not easy when there are so many conflicting opinions and interpretations of the same information.

In a similar way to businesses and schools, the council has had to adapt its working practices to ensure the safety of employees and the public.

The market has reopened and we are supporting non-essential retail to reopen from June 15.

Whilst we have made practical arrangements to facilitate this new freedom, it will be up to individuals to make sure they maintain social distancing, minimise contact with hard surfaces and wash their hands regularly.

This is a very challenging time but I am proud that council employees are doing residents and businesses proud.

The council has been the fourth emergency service – redeploying employees to support vulnerable residents and food banks, deliver food and medicines, rehousing the homeless, ensuring vital services continue and the list goes on.

The financial impact of Covid-19 on the council is significant.

Providing the additional services has cost £1.2 million and we have lost £3.1 million of income from the suspension of car parking charges, the closures of Mansfield Palace Theatre, Mansfield Museum and leisure centres, and lower than anticipated income from rents, business rates, council tax and trade waste.

The council has received £1.15 million from the Government towards the costs incurred leaving a funding gap of £3.2 million.We are reviewing all our services, identifying ways to make savings and deliver our services differently.

Whilst we remain committed to supporting our most vulnerable residents through the difficult times ahead, our non-essential services will only return when it is safe to do so.

This situation is likely to bring with it a ‘new normal’, which means services will not return to exactly how they were before.

One thing I have learnt during this crisis is that our communities have great resilience and despite these challenges, we will pull through together.

Andy Abrahams is the mayor of Mansfield.