Cornwall Council is set to be the first to pass on government funding to parish and town councils affected by the coronavirus crisis.

The council will become the first principal council in England to announce a financial support offer to local councils for lost income and increased expenditure.

Cllr Sue Baxter, chairman of National Association of Local Councils, said: ‘I’m delighted Cornwall Council are doing the right thing and are the first principal council in the country to pass on government funding to support local councils impacted by the pandemic.

’This is real testament to value they place on local councils and the relationship developed over the last decade since becoming a unitary council, including the devolution of community assets and services.’