I am sure that first readers will join me in saying a big ‘thank you’ to our amazing local government teams, social workers, public health and NHS staff, who are working so hard to treat those suffering from coronavirus.
They are all doing an outstanding job caring for those affected.
“We will get through this and, ultimately, build stronger and more resilient communities”
This is a difficult time for all of us, with coronavirus impacting on virtually every sector of our public services and requiring us all to work together in a spirit of collaboration to combat this public health crisis.
In addition to several teleconferences with Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick MP, I joined a meeting with him, the Prime Minister and Health Secretary Matt Hancock MP to ensure local government is clear about the need to deliver the Government’s agenda in this crisis, swiftly and efficiently.
The support that councils and councillors can offer is particularly important to the most vulnerable. We know our local communities, and are in a unique position to work with partners to provide and coordinate help for those who most need it.
I was also pleased to hear Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP announce a significant package of government-backed loans for businesses, and support for local economies and communities.
There is no doubt that battling coronavirus requires a concerted national effort, but it is in situations such as this that local government always rises to the occasion.
By working collaboratively and helping each other, we will get through this and, ultimately, build stronger and more resilient communities.