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Dear Colleague,
Welcome to the LGA Conservative Group’s newsletter, in which we highlight the latest information associated with COVID-19 and other topical issues.
On Monday 12 October, the Prime Minister outlined further steps needed to control the spread of the Coronavirus, including a new system of local COVID alert levels, in which different parts of England will be placed into medium, high and very high levels (Tier 1, 2 and 3 respectively).
During his speech, the Prime Minister thanked council leaders for their contribution towards the preparation of the new system and announced an additional £1 billion in financial support will be provided to local authorities across the country. This is a very positive announcement and we are currently working with the Government on how to use and distribute this funding.
As I finalise this newsletter, we are seeing more councils moving into higher tier levels. We have been liaising closely with the Government to understand how councils will move out of these higher tier levels, in particularly those at tier three.
Recently, I was pleased to hear further information about the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund which included:
- £103 million for 445 heritage organisations
- £257 million investment to more than 1,300 arts organisations in England
The arts and culture sector has been heavily hit by the Coronavirus and despite the continuous support of the Government it still faces financial challenges.
Councils, as the largest funders of arts and culture, should continue working with partners and their local communities to find an innovative way to invest in cultural infrastructure and activities.
Although, many events have been cancelled this year due to the pandemic, including the upcoming Remembrance Sunday Parade, we need to find Covid secure ways to mark this occasion. I know some councils are exploring different options to commemorate this day, including bringing the events to residents through videos and live streaming.
Remembrance Sunday is one day we should all honour and remember those who sacrificed themselves to protect us and our freedom.
As always, if there is anything I or our regional lead peers can do to assist, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can find more details about our lead peers at the bottom of this newsletter.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe OBE
Leader, LGA Conservative Group |
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The Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme
The Chancellor has confirmed that the Government is now making the Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme more generous so that businesses receive up to £3,000 a month and are eligible for payment sooner, after only two weeks of closure rather than three.
Funding to support enforcement
The Government has confirmed councils and the police will equally share the extra £60 million in funding to help support compliance and enforcement of COVID-19 rules
Domestic abuse
The Government has announced £6 million in funding to help councils prepare for the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Bill, which from April 2021 will place a duty on councils to support victims of domestic abuse.
Rough sleepers
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick has recently announced a package of support for rough sleepers and those at risk of becoming homeless this winter.
Reopening High Streets Safely Fund
The Government has recently updated its guidance to help councils and their partners to deliver activities supported through the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.
MHCLG Videos
During the Conservative Party virtual Conference, the MHCLG released the videos below featuring Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick.
If you have missed it, here's another chance to watch the videos:
MHCLG Conference Video
Robert Jenrick in conversation with Cllr Abi Brown
Conservative Regional Lead Peers
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.
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