Calls for Government to have lockdown exit strategy and do more work with councils

The Government is being urged to work with councils to design an "exit strategy" from the second national coronavirus lockdown, which begins tomorrow.
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The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils across England, said the next four weeks would undoubtedly be a daunting time for residents and businesses.

It is urging people to do their bit to help drive down infection rates by continuing to follow the rules and calling on the Government to look at what happens next.

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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.

The LGA wants more test and tracing work to be done locallyThe LGA wants more test and tracing work to be done locally
The LGA wants more test and tracing work to be done locally

Ahead of the second nationwide lockdown, the LGA said lessons must be learned from the past seven months, particularly around the importance of using local expertise.

It is calling on the Government to:

Work jointly with councils to develop a clear strategy for when the national restrictions end, with clear criteria about which restrictions or tier alert levels will apply.

Urgently build upon successful local contact tracing efforts to address the limitations of the national NHS Test and Trace scheme, by providing more precise information on who they should be trying to contact as soon as possible and offering funding.

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Ahead of the roll-out of a Covid-19 vaccine, the LGA wants the Government and NHS to engage with councils’ directors of public health so they can help co-ordinate the roll-out and use their local knowledge and expertise to ensure residents can be immunised as quickly as possible.

The LGA says councils are doing all they can to support communities, but the pandemic has amplified financial pressures that already existed.

Councils in England face a £4 billion funding gap to maintain services at today's levels in 2021/22. As councils set their budgets for next year, it says it is critical that Government provides the funding needed to ensure councils can continue to support their communities.

Coun 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.

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“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.”

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