County council bosses have called for sensible financial decisions as the authority faces losing more than £11 million in council tax and business rates due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While the authority has taken measures to cover its losses on council tax, early indications show the council faces an overall £3.9 million overspend by the end of the year.

Gary Fielding, director for strategic resources, said the figure was offset by funding from government and underspends in other departments.

But, he told a meeting of senior councillors that he remained concerned by the effect of coronavirus on finances going forward.

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Indications from the first three months of the year show that council faces £11.9 million in losses on business rates and council tax due to the pandemic. The authority has made provision for the cost, but said it was an early estimate which would effect next year's finances.

Other areas of overspend include health and adult social care at £11.2 million, £1.4 in business and environment, £1.7 million on children and young people services, £7.9 million in central services and £11.3 million on corporate miscellaneous.

Health and adult services saw the most financial pressure, said Mr Fielding. This is because the council is expecting to cover the costs of care packages for those discharged from hospital at a cost of £4.8 million and is also forecasting an increase in demand for mental health care.

However, the authority has been supported with underspends in other council departments and offset its losses with £29.5 million worth of government funding.

Mr Fielding reiterated to councillors on the authority’s executive that he was not considering a section 114 notice - a measure taken in dire financial circumstances - but said he remained concerned about covid going forward.

He said: