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Dear Colleague,
Welcome to the LGA Conservative Group’s weekly email newsletter. Its purpose is to highlight the latest information associated with COVID-19, which I hope will be useful to you and your council.
As we continue to work with our Government in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic on behalf of Conservative Councils. It is evident that the role the Conservative Group is increasingly playing, is balancing the political messaging and to ensure that the LGA message is accurate, fair and appropriate.
This is particularly challenging when meetings are held virtually and there is a need to maintain a fair position and ensure that the policies of Conservative Councils are heard and presented along with the balance from the other political parties.
Over the past few weeks I have been delighted to have been given the opportunity by Conservative Home to highlight just a few of the many good things that Conservative councils and councillors have been doing to support their communities during the pandemic, and also our partnership working with the Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick, and other Cabinet ministers.
I am keen to continue highlighting this good work and also individual efforts by councillors, particularly those in opposition and smaller groups, to support their communities.
In my next article I would like to focus on the work that has already been done, and which is being planned or is ongoing, to support the recovery stage so if you have any best practice examples in relation to this specifically, or just more generally, please do email me at lgaconservatives@local.gov.uk
If there is anything I or our highly experienced regional lead peers can do to assist, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The regional lead peers and the areas they cover are as follows:
- Lord Porter of Spalding CBE - National Lead Peer & Regional Lead Peer for the South East
- Councillor Paul Middlebrough - Regional Lead Peer for the South West, Hampshire and Isle of Wight
- Councillor William Nunn - Regional Lead Peer for the East of England
- Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE - Regional Lead Peer for London
- Councillor Glen Sanderson JP - Regional Lead Peer for the East Midlands, North East and Yorkshire & Humber
- Councillor Mike Wilcox - Regional Lead Peer for the West Midlands and North West.
Best wishes,
Cllr Izzi Seccombe OBE
Leader, LGA Conservative Group |
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COVID-19 and ethnicity
Following the release of PHE’s review into how different factors have affected COVID-19 risks and outcomes, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has announced it will undertake an inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on ethnic minorities.
This is alongside the Government’s own review, which will be led by Minister for Equalities Kemi Badenoch.
Test and trace
The allocations for the £300 million additional funding for local authorities to support the new test, trace and contain service have been announced.
Public Health England has also published a helpful blog post explaining the role of a contact tracer. This includes a personal account which may be helpful for residents on the Test and Trace service, as well as explaining what someone can expect if a contact tracer contacts them.
Furthermore, the Department of Health and Social Care wrote to directors of adult social services and directors of public health to notify them of an extension to the eligibility for whole care home testing. This included a fact sheet on the approach for residents and staff.
Housing
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, has announced that the Government is suspending evictions from social and private rented accommodation by a further two months.
Children's mental health
NHS England has produced some practical advice for parents and carers and young people to support children and young people with mental health problems.
Vulnerable children
The Department for Education has announced a new £7 million funding package as part of the launch of the See, Hear, Respond service.
This aims to provide targeted help to vulnerable children, young people and their families affected by the virus and the measures put in place to stop its spread.
Homelessness
MHCLG has announced allocations for £6 million of funding for frontline homelessness charities. The funding, which had originally been announced on 14 May, has been allocated to 132 charities in England, and is part of a wider funding package for the voluntary and community sector.
Welfare suport
To support those who are struggling with their finances due to COVID-19, the Government has announced an extra £37.8 million support package for debt advice providers.
LGA virtual annual conference 2020
The LGA will be hosting a series of virtual annual conference webinars during June and July, featuring keynote speakers from local and central government including Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government.
You can find out more information and register your attendance via the LGA website.
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