Lockdown restrictions easing
As first was going to press, the Government was working on a review of the two-metre social-distancing rule, which was expected to report by 4 July.
news
‘Plan needed to keep homeless off streets’
The Government needs to bring together a comprehensive national strategy to prevent rough sleepers and homeless people returning to the streets after the pandemic, according to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee.
Leisure ‘in a crisis’
Leisure centres closed because of the coronavirus crisis may never re-open unless the Government brings forward a financial rescue package to save the sector, according to a new survey.
Local flexibility needed on school openings
Councils should be given the power to close schools or nurseries where testing indicates new clusters of COVID-19, the LGA has said
Councils ‘need four times more funding’
Local government faces “unsustainable” financial pressures as the sector continues to lead efforts to beat the coronavirus pandemic, the LGA has warned.
Cash for care homes
The Government has announced an extra £600 million for infection control measures in care homes in England and published additional guidance for the sector.
Pandemic highlights health inequalities
Black people are nearly twice as likely to die from COVID-19 than white people, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.
SEND pupils ‘missing out’
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are not getting the support they need, with 47 of 94 local areas inspected by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission found to have ‘serious weaknesses’.
Children’s services ‘ill-prepared’ for coronavirus
Local authority children’s services have been reduced to “crisis-driven fire-fighting” as a result of years of under-investment, children’s charities have warned.
New money for cycling and walking
A £250 million emergency ‘active travel fund’ will help encourage cycling and walking through new infrastructure such as pop-up bike lanes, protected space for cyclists, wider pavements, safer junctions and cycle and bus-only roads.