Powys Council is looking into placing workers on furlough leave to help it plug its mammoth £3.35 million monthly coronavirus deficit.

Catering and cleaning staff could be among those affected – although the plans could also move into other areas such as planning and highways.

The council's finance panel was told at a meeting today (May 7) that the authority is estimated to lose £3.35million a month during the crisis.

But members also heard that the Welsh Government has asked councils to look at “income generation” roles for furlough candidates.

Finance portfolio holder Coun Aled Davies revealed that he disagreed with furloughing in principle.

"At the end of the day, it’s all public money," he said.

“I would prefer to see the money flow from Westminster to Welsh Government and on to councils so that furloughing isn’t necessary."

He added that the council was currently looking at catering and cleaning staff – although when challenged over why those on the lowest salaries were being looked at specifically, he added that it could also affect other workers.

“It was just an example – there may be people in planning, highways and other areas as well," said Coun Davies.

“I can assure you that senior staff are working 24/7, we do not want to lose key members of the council – it’s not a simple piece of work.

He added that in his opinion:  “Furloughing is not the answer.”

Head of Finance, Jane Thomas said: “We are working with services to understand what staff are doing at the moment. Whether they have been redeployed to other parts of the council or whether they are still maintaining some business as usual.

“We have £1.6million worth of staff that are employed in generating income for the council in one way or another."

Coun John Morris added that a decision on who to furlough needed to be made “sooner rather than later”, as each day it was delayed was costing PCC money.

Labour group leader, Coun Mathew Dorrance believed that targeting catering or cleaning staff sent the wrong message.

Coun Dorrance said:  “Why is there no equity? Some of the more senior people may not be so business critical just now.

“It send our a bad signal across the council about the value we place on people.”