Basingstoke Council said it will "continue to lobby" for more funding after being allocated a £1.7million grant from the Government to help during the coronavirus pandemic.

In total, the Government has earmarked £51m to councils across Hampshire as well as the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Basingstoke's cabinet member for finance and service improvement Cllr Hannah Golding said of the funding: “We are due to receive an additional £1.74 million from the government as part of its package of measures to help councils across the country manage the cost of the coronavirus pandemic.

“During the pandemic, the council’s budget has been put under pressure with income falling drastically as residents have been doing the right thing and staying at home and not using services including car parks and leisure facilities. Alongside this, our budget has come under increased pressure as a result of extra costs to the council in providing support during this unprecedented time.

“This funding will help us to manage these additional costs and we will continue to lobby the government for further support and assistance to address the significant financial impact on the council’s finances.”

Of the £51 allocated for Hampshire, the highest amount will go to Hampshire County Council, which will receive an additional £24m.

Southampton City Council will received £7m and Portsmouth City Council will get £6m.

Another council that will receive £1.7m is New Forest District Council while East Hampshire, Eastleigh, Havant, Test Valley and Winchester will receive just over £1m each.

The cash boost is part of a £1.6billion funding package being sent to all local authorities in England to help them provide frontline services amid the outbreak.