It is excellent news that we continue to see falls in the number of coronavirus cases as we further unlock the economy in line with the roadmap. However, there is no time for complacency, as demonstrated by the Prime Minister's warning that a third wave of the pandemic, currently affecting many countries in Europe, could eventually affect the UK. Councils continue to work hard, as they have done throughout the pandemic, while dealing with the reality that managing COVID-19 is going to be an ongoing feature of all our lives for the future.

The Local Government Association's public health conference last month was a timely opportunity to share insights and knowledge from the past year, while looking to the challenges ahead. Chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, expressed concern that the effects of lockdown will push more people into deprivation and ill health, and responding to this is likely to fall within the remit of councils.