Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham has warned that services in Manchester will have to be cut after the government refuses to reimburse the full cost of the Arena terror attack back in May.
The Prime Minister Theresa May has written to the Mayor setting out what the Government has so far agreed to pay, around £12 million in “reasonable costs”.
The full cost of the terror attack is estimated to be £17m.
Burnham, in an interview with Granada reports said that it was not unreasonable for the government to pay out the full amount after it had quite rightly agreed to disemburse the full monies to the Kensington and Chelsea council over the Grenfell Tower.
”we are not trying it on here, we are not sending in a bill that is inflated in any way” he said, adding that various sources told him in the aftermath of the attack that Manchester could have whatever it needed”
In a statement a Government spokesman stressed that the process of approving money is ongoing.
They said: “We are absolutely committed to ensuring the victims of this terrible attack and Greater Manchester have all possible support.
“We have given strong assurance Manchester will receive £12m. That includes £3m being paid now and a further £1m being made available to support the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
“This is an ongoing process and the Government stands by its commitment to provide all necessary further assistance.”
