Council bosses says the cost of fighting Covid-19 is hitting already stretched budgets with Government funding yet to reach North Ayrshire.

Local authorities in Scotland are due to get £155 million but not a penny of that has arrived at councils yet.

The Scottish Government had told councils to use reserves to cover the financial impact of the pandemic in the meantime. 

Councillor Tom Marshall warned the council only has unearmarked reserves of about £7.16 million.

The figure sits at the lower end of the recommended range of two to four per cent. 

Conservative Group Leader Councillor Marshall said: “Councils across the country have been struggling to meet the demands of this virus and will continue to struggle as demand on health and social care services grow and greater supplies of personal protective equipment are required.

He added: “Telling North Ayrshire Council to raid already depleted reserves is nothing but a slap in the face when there are millions of pounds on the way from the UK Government.

“Local authorities across Scotland are spearheading the response to this virus, North Ayrshire Council should not have to go begging to the SNP for funds.“

The Ayrshire Local Democracy Reporting Service asked the council what the estimated cost of Covid-19 would be and how much reserves are being used.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesman said: “We are currently working with other local authorities and COSLA to bring together the cost impact position facing all local authorities as a consequence of COVID-19.

This information will shortly be presented to Scottish Government.

“This situation is having a material financial impact on North Ayrshire budgets, however, we will continue to work with COSLA and Scottish Government around both the financial impact and how this will be funded.”

Scottish Finance secretary Kate Forbes said she wanted to understand the costs to local government before handing over cash. 

COSLA said it will work with the Government to get the money to councils quickly.

It warned costs will be substantial and may exceed £155 million.