WBC said it acknowledged the confirmation of its exceptional financial support bid, while Medway Council declined to comment.

Eastbourne Borough Council, however, branded the support “an unsustainable short-term fix”.

“This is not additional money. The money is borrowed by the council to pay for services and has to be paid back,” a spokesperson said.

“Our longstanding position has always been that this is not right and the government should appropriately fund local councils. However, this is the only solution they have offered.”

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government was contacted for comment.

The support grants are only approved in principle and will be discussed by all councils at upcoming meetings.