Sunderland Labour accused of making 'cheap political points' - and Tories told to 'get a grip' in war of words over crisis

Recent weeks have seen bosses at Sunderland City Council (SCC) repeat calls for cash from the government to help plug a £35million ‘black hole’ in the local authority’s finances caused by COVID-19.

But Wearside’s Conservative group has hit back at the criticisms, claiming instead Sunderland is in line for one of the most ‘generous’ grants of anywhere in the country.

“Every day we see Labour leaders in Sunderland attempting to score cheap political points during this crisis,” said Coun Dominic McDonough.

“We have seen leaked letters to the Prime Minister, an order for PPE that still hasn’t arrived and now repeatedly misconstrued figures around funding.

“It’s time for Labour in Sunderland to grow up, show some leadership and work constructively for the good of local residents.”

Since the start of the coronavirus lockdown, Sunderland has been allocated more than £18million over two rounds of handouts from a government fund worth £3.2billion to support local authorities.

Councils across the country have seen their accounts torn apart by the COVID-19 outbreak, with income from car parks, rents and council tax slashed, while expenses soar.

But critics of the scheme, including Wearside’s council bosses, have claimed northern councils have lost out at the expense of southern areas.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, home of former Prime Minister Theresa May, is one of the places in their sights, after it was given an extra £1million in its second funding round, compared to the first.

SCC, by contrast, was allocated almost £3million less.

The city’s Conservatives have argued that, even taking this into account, Wearside is still receiving £65.45 per head, compared to £47.46 per person in Windsor and Maidenhead.

“The local Conservatives really need to get a grip on the reality of the situation and be reminded that they are here to represent the people of Sunderland, not leafy Windsor and Maidenhead,” said cabinet secretary Paul Stewart.

“Covid-19 is impacting more on the North East and Sunderland and we desperately need additional funding to support our communities.

“The Prime Minister promised this at the beginning of the crisis to fund local government.

“‘Whatever it takes’ is what he said and I would have expected the local Conservatives to be calling on him to honour his promise to the people Sunderland, not desperately looking for excuses.”

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