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Dear colleague,
At this very difficult time for us all, I want to place on record my thanks for all that you, our army of Conservative councillors across the country, are doing to support your local communities and the most vulnerable members of our society.
I hope that you are also finding the time to look after you own wellbeing and those closest to you.
I also want to place on record my thanks to our wonderful council staff who have demonstrated such superb professionalism and commitment to their roles over the past couple of weeks, often working around the clock to ensure that vital local services are kept running.
Across the country, councils are demonstrating our role as leaders of place by stepping up to the unprecedented challenges that COVID-19 brings.
We are truly acting as the fourth emergency service by supporting national efforts to minimise the spread of infection, protecting the most vulnerable, supporting local businesses, and bringing together our communities.
As your voice in Westminster, the LGA is continually liaising with central government on your behalf.
In addition to regular meetings and teleconferences with our Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick, colleagues and I have also met with the Prime Minister and the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, where we took the opportunity to outline the essential work that councils are doing and reaffirm our absolute commitment to working in partnership with the Government in this great national effort.
If you have any pressing issues in relation to COVID-19 that you would like me to raise on your behalf please do email me at lgaconservaitves@local.gov.uk
On another note, regrettably last Thursday the decision was made to cancel this year’s Annual Conference which was due to have taken place in Harrogate on 30 June – 2 July. This is of course extremely disappointing for all concerned. Please read the press release that was distributed announcing this.
Once again, many thanks for all that you are doing for your local communities, and please do take the time to look after you own health and stay safe.
Best wishes,
Cllr Izzi Seccombe OBE
Leader, LGA Conservative Group |
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For all the latest news from the LGA Conservative Group please follow us on Twitter at @LGACons
Guidance for councillors
The LGA has published COVID-19 outbreak councillor guidance to assist elected councillors in their vital role leading the efforts to tackle the worst public health crisis we have experienced in a century.
This guidance focuses on specific issues relevant to councillors’ involvement in leading and protecting communities, as well as highlighting the role they can play in supporting their communities through these difficult times.
COVID-19 updates from the LGA
You can keep updated on all the developments relating to COVID-19 in a number of ways.
If you are a regular user of social media, please follow us @LGACons and the LGA corporately @LGAComms and @LGANews where there are regular updates.
In addition, visit the LGA's COVID-19 hub and the MHCLG’s page for local government. These pages are being continually updated with useful information and all the latest developments.
Finally, please email us at lgaconservatives@local.gov.uk if there are any issues that you wish to raise.
Coronavirus Bill
The Coronavirus Bill gives public bodies across the UK the powers they need to carry out an effective response to the Coronavirus emergency.
Please download the LGA’s briefing on the Bill.
Local elections and by-elections
As you will know, the local elections, mayoral elections and police and crime commissioner elections have been postponed. No other elections, by-elections or referenda should be held.
It is the intention of the associated emergency legislation to enact this to include by-elections where notice of election has been posted. If you have an upcoming by-election that has already been posted, please send the details to abigail.gallop@local.gov.uk as MHCLG has requested this information.
The LGA has been liasing with MHCLG regarding local authority (including fire and rescue authorities) decision-making requirements, for example, regarding the possibility to meet and vote remotely, and emergency legislation to address these issues is being drafted.
LGA 'first' magazine
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'first' is LGA's membership magazine and is received as a hard copy by over 18,000 councillors and 400 Chief Executives.
In a response to feedback, it has been made easier to read online through the creation of a dedicated website where you can read all of its articles, interviews and opinion pieces.
Visit the first website
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