LGA calls for lockdown exit strategy

The Local Government Association has said that only with the necessary powers and resources can councils continue to lead local efforts to tackle coronavirus outbreaks.

Councils are working urgently to put measures in place to support people - especially those who are clinically extremely vulnerable – ahead of further nationwide restrictions and are preparing to distribute funding quickly to businesses forced to close as a result.

Councils leaders say that the next four weeks will undoubtedly be a daunting time for residents and businesses and are urging people to do their bit to help drive down infection rates by continuing to follow the rules.

Ahead of the second nationwide lockdown (5 November), the LGA said lessons must be learnt from the past seven months, and is calling on the government to work jointly with councils to co-develop a clear strategy for after the national restrictions are set to end on 2 December, with clear criteria about which restrictions or Tier Alert Levels will apply.

Furthermore, they say that the government must urgently build upon successful local contact tracing efforts to address the current limitations of the national NHS Test and Trace scheme and engage with councils’ directors of public health now so they can help co-ordinate the roll-out of a Covid-a9 vaccine and utilise their local knowledge and expertise to ensure residents can be immunised as quickly as possible.

James Jamieson, LGA Chairman, said: “This second lockdown will be tough for many, but councils are stepping up again to support residents, especially those who are more vulnerable, businesses and education settings. It is imperative that we use this lockdown to get on top of this virus and bring down infection and transmission rates. This means all of us continuing to follow the guidance, self-isolate if necessary, wear a face covering and wash our hands regularly but also must include the Government accelerating mass testing and enabling local contact tracing arrangements to be scaled up.

“Clarity about the criteria for lifting restrictions locally will be important for people up and down the country and we urge the government to work with councils to co-design the exit strategy from this lockdown.

“Driving strong local action will add further pressure to already over-stretched council budgets. Only with the necessary powers and resources, can councils continue to lead local efforts to tackle outbreaks swiftly and effectively, keep services running and support communities and businesses.”