Powys Council is to receive financial support to help it through the coronavirus pandemic for at least six more months, councillors have been told.

Chief executive, Dr Caroline Turner, told members at a full council meeting on Friday, March 19,  the "very good news” that  Powys County Council will continue to receive funding from the Welsh Government’s Local Government Covid Hardship Fund.

So far, the council has received more than £12 million from this fund to cover its specific costs related to the pandemic.

With coronavirus case rates falling in Powys, Dr Turner warned councillors of the need to “remain cautious”.

Dr Turner said: “Whilst we are doing well with Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) and with the vaccination programme we must remain cautious until most if not all of us are vaccinated and that will take time.

“We are now well below the Welsh average however, there are some worrying trends elsewhere in Wales including neighbouring local authorities.

“The incidence of Covid are worryingly high in Merthyr Tydfil, and in recent days have also been increasing in Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea.”

As the council emerges from lockdown, Dr Turner said that it would concentrate on three main strands of work.

These would be: restarting  services that have been mothballed during the pandemic, looking at new ways of working for councillors and office based staff, as well as helping re-open the local economy.

It will also be receiving support from the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and Local Government Association programme of recovery.

“Our plans are at a very early stage and we will share and seek the views of members and staff, ensuring that we work with cabinet, group leaders and scrutiny,” said Dr Turner.