The cost of the pandemic to Dumfries and Galloway Council over the past six months has been more than £5.7m.
Finance chiefs have calculated Covid-related unbudgeted expenditure, along with huge reductions in income due to restrictions, in a new report.
The document reveals the financial impact the ongoing situation has had on the region, and provides a costed breakdown.
Some of the extra costs include: staff redeployment – £1.1m; PPE/sanitisers/additional cleaning – £750,000; and higher energy bills following increased ventilation in schools etc – £600,000.
Meanwhile, enforced restrictions have resulted in a £2.5m reduction in income from sources including letting, leisure services, burials and community facilities.
Leisure and sport services have recorded a loss of £1,262,000 in the last six months.
The council report explains: “This estimate reflects the net income loss associated with the closure of leisure facilities at the beginning of the financial year and the ongoing impact associated with the significant reduction in both capacity and footfall in our leisure and sport facilities across the region.
“While it had been anticipated that income levels would begin to increase over the latter part of the financial year, the ongoing restrictions and increased infection rates have continued to impact on the level of income generated.
“The potential ongoing pressures and implications associated with this extended reduction in income levels is currently subject to review with the service.”
Savings on fuel and travel costs have totalled £152,000, property, supplies and services costs – £500,000, while non-domestic rates relief have saved the council around £1.82m.
