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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.
With the Covid-19 vaccine rollout well underway and a third vaccine (Moderna) approval by the regulatory agency, there is a lot to feel positive about as we look ahead.
Thanks to our amazing NHS, councils and the armed forces so far over 6.2 million people have been vaccinated, and large-scale vaccination centres have opened to help accelerate the roll-out of the vaccination programme.
Communities’ pharmacies such as Boots and Superdrug have also started to deliver vaccines since 14 January, which is a great news.
There is no doubt that councils, working closely with the NHS, are best placed to support the Government in meeting its ambitious vaccination target, however, they need to have access to data for their local areas. Following LGA lobbying, it is good to see that the Government has listened to us and Directors of Public Health have now received information on the number of vaccines administered.
Last week, I was also pleased to hear that the Government provided an extra £120 million of funding to councils so they can boost their social care staffing levels.
On a separate note, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Eddie Hughes who has recently been appointed to the role of Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Rough Sleeping & Housing, also thank Kelly Tolhurst for all her work and contribution. I have written to both and have invited Eddie to join our events in the near future.
We are in the midest of planning a new series of webinars with Ministers and MPs following our successful webinars last year, and I will share more details with you in due course.
Until then, please keep safe and 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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If you’d also like to subscribe to the LGA’s monthly e-bulletin of First Magazine, please visit the dedicated website.
Vaccination centre road signs
The AA is offering free directional road signs for community COVID-19 vaccination centres, which may be useful for councils. This offer is open to all temporary vaccination centres opening in January.
Signs can be requested by emailing aasigns@theaa.com, including full address and intended opening date, as well as the name and contact information of the site contact.
Test and trace payments
The Test and Trace payments scheme will now continue until the end of March 2021, the Government has confirmed. The Department of Health and Social Care is also working with councils to review the impact of the rising number of cases, and increased testing, with the funding for the main fund and administration costs to be reviewed again in February.
Business support
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has published guidance on the Business Support Package announced by the Chancellor on the 5 January 2021. This covers the Local Restrictions Support Grant (closed – amendment), the additional Closed Business Lockdown Grant, which together will provide up to £13,500 for businesses mandated to close for the 42 days from 5 January 2021.
Digital and Data Training Sessions
The LGA has developed six new free Councillor training sessions to support members navigate the world of digital and technology as their local authorities harness this area of innovation to help deal with COVID-19 pressures and support residents, communities and businesses utilise technology to improve their everyday life.
The sessions will be hosted via the Zoom platform and will vary from 2hrs to 2:30hrs in length. For more information please visit the Councillor introduction to Digital and Data sessions page on our website.
PPE
A reminder that the offer for free PPE provision to health, social care and public sector workers has been extended until at least the end of June to support this critical stage of the pandemic and to assist with vaccination and mass testing programmes. Eligible health and social care providers can order through the PPE portal or contact 0800 876 6802 if you have any questions.
Future Homes and Building Standard
The Government has published its response to the submissions on the Future Home Standard consultation carried out last year.
Best Practice
We are looking for examples of best practice from Conservative-run councils on a range of activities, including local test and trace schemes, supporting local businesses and high streets, as well helping local communities at a neighbourhood level.
The examples highlighted are obviously not exclusive and please do email us any best practice examples that you feel demonstrates how Conservative councils and councillors are supporting their communities during the latest phase of the pandemic.
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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