Coronavirus: councils warn of changes to local services

England’s largest councils are warning that residents will see major short-term changes to local services in the fight against coronavirus.

The County Councils Network (CCN), which represents those 36 local authorities, says that those councils have outlined a range of their services that will have to be stopped or significantly scaled back due to the outbreak. Covering some 26 million people, the authorities are urging residents to understand that the changes will help save thousands of lives and protect staff from the spread of the virus. Although changes to key services have already been made, councils say further changes may be required.

This has included, or may soon include: the indefinite closure of recycling centres; deferred road repairs; the shutting of libraries; a stop to visits at council-run care homes; birth registration delays; restrictions on funeral attendance numbers; and the more publicised closure of public parks, play areas and leisure centres.

David Williams, chairman of the County Councils Network, and leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “In these momentous times, our two clear priorities are ensuring that our residents are kept as safe as possible, and that we can continue to deliver our services. Unfortunately, the unprecedented nature of the Coronavirus outbreak means that it is impossible to do both. With regret, with the health of our residents and staff our priority, we have had to withdraw some services for the time being. That means in some areas, people won’t be able to visit their household waste recycling centre, library or physically visit their loved ones in a care home. Our message is: these changes will help save lives, so please bear with us.  
 
“A large proportion of our effort now will be on ensuring that our vulnerable and elderly are supported and cared for, whilst doing all we can to assist and protect the NHS including supporting those able to leave hospital. Councils have also been trusted with a huge role in helping ‘shield’ those with serious health conditions from Coronavirus, and this means re-prioritising our focus. This is a hugely difficult time for the whole nation – but we are thankful for residents’ patience and we hope to be back running a full roster of services as soon as it is safe to do so.”