IT’S estimated the Covid-19 emergency has cost Stratford District £8.1million in lost revenue just in the first half of the municipal year alone.
It’s money the authority, which also covers Alcester and Studley, says it will never get back.
Now as the number cases of coronavirus infections across Warwickshire more than halves – down from around 800 on April 4 to less than 400 by the end of the month – civic leaders are beginning to focus on recovery.
Since the start of the lockdown the district, which extends to 378 square miles and has a population of nearly 130,000 people has:
Delivered, with the help of volunteers some 800 food parcels
Provided grants of £25.4million to 2,074 businesses (as at May 4)
Taken up to 800 calls a day in our contact centre at the peak
Introduced a ‘buddy system’ that keeps all councillors up to date
The authority is now turning to economic recovery, and, due to its reliance on tourism, is expecting it to be a long haul.
So far the Council has received £1,343,110 from central government leaving a gap of more than £6.75m in its finances.
The Leader of the authority, Councillor Tony Jefferson, said: “The Chinese reputedly have a saying – ‘May you live in interesting times’ – we certainly do.”
