Covid and lockdown has cost Moray Council £4.5million

The cost of Covid-19 and the lockdown to Moray Council now stands at about £4.5million.

That's according to figures compiled by the local authority itself.

A report by council officers to the local authority's Economic Growth Committee says the council's finances have been hit in three main ways.

Income from services and council tax have both declined, while cash has also had to be spent on dealing with the local fallout from the pandemic.

The report says: "The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown measures have had significant impact on budgets during the first half of the (financial) year.

"All services are generating less income than budgeted, with a total shortfall of £3.67million for the year to date.

"This includes loss of leisure income, catering income, car parking income, planning and building control fees."

It continues: "Funding is anticipated to be received from Scottish Government towards reduced income from the pandemic.

"The actual amount is yet to be confirmed."

There is also expenditure directly related Covid which totals £1.18million.

Of this, £950,000 was spent on setting up the 'Hub' where the children of key workers were taught, and payments to supply teachers.

Another £100,000 was spent on the housing service – mainly on setting up temporary accommodation and agency costs.

A further £134,000 went towards paying for relief and agency staff in environmental and commercial services.

Meanwhile, as of September 30, the amount of council tax collected is £1.26million below what would be normally be expected.

However, the report goes on to state that these triple losses to the council have partially been offset by some services requiring less money than usual.

This £1.54milion 'underspend', as the report calls it, includes the reduced costs of repairs and maintenance for buildings and vehicles, and less being spent on energy and catering.

The report will be put before councillors on December 1.