Public health
We will be here for our residents every step of the way
David Renard outlines how Swindon BC’s rapid response to the public health emergency includes a package of measures to support both residents and businesses.
Care sector unprepared for coronavirus ‘struggle’
Emergency measures have not gone far enough to ready the social care sector for the impact of coronavirus, experts have warned.
We will do everything we can to save lives
The national COVID-19 emergency is seeing the very best of our councils and our workforces and we have a ‘unique and vital role to play’, says Martin Swales.
The work of local government has become ‘even more urgent’
The coronavirus pandemic is highlighting ‘the very best of councils and our workforces’, according to president of Solace UK Martin Swales.
Now councils really are stripped to the core in a crisis
Local authorities are rising to the challenge with a range of short-term fixes that will carry the country through the crisis, says Heather Jameson – and she is 'immensely proud of the sector for the mammoth effort that is being made'.
Corbynism triumphs just as he leaves the political stage
The country has 'gone Corbynite', says Michael Burton, and the public has rediscovered its love of public sector workers. Not just the usual nurses and doctors but refuse workers, care staff, social workers, cleaners, and public health employees.
How are councils responding the COVID-19 crisis?
CLES is collecting details of local authorities’ innovative and exceptional measures to support people through the COVID-19 crisis, says Neil McInroy.
When this is all over we will be different
Interim chief operating officer at Cornwall Council, Tracie Langley, views her leadership role as developing mechanisms for quick and safe decision-making and providing clarity over how emergency processes can work.
We will see the very best of local councils
During the COVID-19 pandemic, counties are ‘doing what they have done in an understated way for so long – keeping the show running for their communities’, says Simon Edwards.
Working together in tough times
Director of Public Health at Birmingham City Council Dr Justin Varney outlines how the city is co-ordinating its COVID-19 outbreak response and planning for future challenges.
Councils need a breathing space
Councils’ priorities are now focused on fighting coronavirus, says Ian Miller – and this urgently requires a Government-wide approach suspending policy and legislative initiatives for at least three months.
Jenrick urges councils not to delay on coronavirus spending
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick this week urged council leaders not to put off decisions because of money in their response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Public health funding boosted almost 5%
Councils will receive public health grants totalling £3.3bn next year, the Government has announced.
Plans drawn up for remote meetings
Plans to let local authorities conduct their council meetings remotely are being considered by the Government.
Electoral Commission calls for autumn polls
May’s local elections should be postponed until the autumn, the Electoral Commission has said.
LGA chairman self-isolating due to coronavirus
The chairman of the Local Government Association, Cllr James Jamieson, is self-isolating after being exposed to coronavirus.
A tough balancing act for councils
Managing and mitigating the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on local communities poses a huge challenge for councils, but it’s one they’ve been planning for. Naomi Larsson reports.
Keep calm and collaborate
Dr Jeanelle de Grucy says the next few weeks will be difficult – but collaboration and openness are our greatest assets in tackling the coronavirus.
Councils step up coronavirus response
Local authorities across the country have stepped up their response to coronavirus as the number of cases continues to rise.
Council closes offices amid coronavirus scare
East Devon DC has closed its offices in Honiton to the public after a member of staff was identified as possibly having coronavirus.