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21
Aug 2020
Council billing NHS £126,000 a month for Nightingale gas and electric
Harrogate Borough Council is billing the NHS around £126,000 a month for gas, electric and water at Harrogate's Nightingale Hospital.
Figures published yesterday revealed the NHS paid Harrogate Borough Council £378,220 in "miscellaneous costs" related to the NHS Nightingale.
The NHS confirmed to the Stray Ferret that the £378,220 payment covers the utilities for the building during the Nightingale's first three months - April, May and June.
Harrogate Borough Council said it is not charging the NHS rent for using the facility.
The NHS took over Harrogate's Convention Centre in April but so far the hospital has not been used to treat coronavirus patients.
Read more:
NHS paid consultancy firm £1m to set up Harrogate’s Nightingale
Harrogate’s hospitality sector says Nightingale extension has ‘huge impact’
After weeks of uncertainty, it was confirmed this week that the Nightingale will remain in place until March 2021 after its contract was extended. However, a review will take place in October to assess its need.
Local businesses which rely on the events trade said the extension will have a "huge impact."
The government has earmarked £3 billion of extra funding to support the seven NHS Nightingale hospitals.
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