As local lockdowns continue to be put in place, including the whole of Wales, we have again asked the Government to ensure local leaders are at the forefront of decision-making – something ministers have agreed and need to uphold.
The LGA is supporting a legal challenge to a decision not to extend emergency legislation on virtual council meetings, calling it “extremely disappointing”.
The past year has been like no other. The COVID-19 virus has taken a huge toll on our communities, with each death a terrible loss.
As we approach the end of 2020, it is time to reflect on what we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has been another busy and challenging month for all the councillors and officers responding to the rise in COVID-19 infections across the country, and those involved in negotiations with the Government regarding local and regional restrictions and wider general support for councils.
Happy new year! I hope everyone was able to take a break over the festive period.
After all that we endured in 2020, I hope that first readers managed to enjoy a well-deserved break during Christmas and are feeling refreshed and ready for the challenges that 2021 will no doubt bring.
Millions more people could safely and swiftly be protected against coronavirus if councils are able to act shoulder-to-shoulder with the NHS in the distribution of vaccines, the LGA has said.
The LGA has commissioned a report into shifts in public attitudes and behaviour caused by COVID-19 and the implications for local government.
As I write this article, we are in another national lockdown to bring the new coronavirus variant under control, which has been spreading very quickly.