The LGA's media office provides the national voice of local government in England and Wales on the major issues of the day for national, regional and local press.
“As the focus shifts from hospitals to social care we need to do all we can to shield people in care homes and those receiving care in their own homes."
School closures, staff sickness and coronavirus demand on resources has left many councils struggling to provide support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, the Local Government Association says today.
“With greater capacity to deliver more tests, the Government should prioritise those at most risk, including staff who work in care homes and support the most vulnerable."
“Councils are extremely concerned about the financial viability of early years providers, many of whom are operating at a loss in order to provide vital childcare for our critical workers and most vulnerable children."
The Government’s “Clipper” system intends to provide a central hub for the supply and distribution of PPE. However, it is yet to be fully up and running following a delay in going live and could take at least another three weeks before it gets up to speed.
Social care workers and other council service staff continue to risk their lives in keeping essential services going, including supporting our elderly and most vulnerable people, due to a chronic lack of masks, gowns, visors, goggles and other life-saving kit.
The LGA suggests that councils and local areas could each need access to
“Any national plans by government to track and trace coronavirus needs to be complemented by making use of existing local knowledge and skills on the ground."
“Many council-owned libraries have experienced an increase of more than 600 per cent in new registered members since the Government’s mandated lockdown."
“Now more than ever, people working in social care are playing a vital and valuable role in society and this campaign is another important boost to this in-demand profession. "
"Data on all deaths from COVID-19 needs to be published promptly and accurately, so we can have full confidence and transparency in these figures as part of our plan to defeat this deadly virus."
LGA Chairman Cllr James Jamieson said: “Councils across the country are leading efforts to support communities through the unprecedented coronavirus crisis we face. They continue to do an amazing job."