£23m vaccine boost as deaths pass 100,000
The Government has allocated more than £23 million to 60 councils and voluntary groups across England to expand work to support those most at risk from COVID-19, and to boost vaccine take-up.
Covid-19
Fixing the council safety net
In April 2013, the Government changed how crisis support was delivered.
Councils play lead role in vaccine rollout
Councils’ unstinting work to help meet the Government’s target of vaccinating the first four priority groups has earned the praise of a Cabinet minister.
Children locked down in temporary accommodation
The LGA has warned that around 450 primary schools’ worth of homeless children are spending lockdown in temporary accommodation, amid a chronic shortage of affordable housing.
Growing back better
The LGA has launched a support hub to help councils drive local economic growth.
Disabled people at risk
Nearly six out of every 10 people who died with coronavirus in England last year were disabled, official figures suggest.
Be nice to your noggin!
The COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly difficult for us all. The social isolation and uncertainty has left many people expressing concerns over their mental health, such as increased anxiety, depression and loneliness.
Stepping up on levelling up
The Government has renewed its commitment to levelling up as part of the recovery from the pandemic, with new announcements focusing on better access to high-quality education, improved infrastructure in town centres, and more public sector jobs outside of London.
Tough tiers and tests
As the lockdown in England ends, councils need reassurance that success in tackling infection rates will lead to a swift easing of local restrictions.
Challenging false vaccine information
I was delighted to see the LGA running a number of webinars recently on vaccine communications and tackling hesitancy and misinformation.