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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.
Following the LGA Annual Conference last week, we have received a lot of positive feedback from those colleagues who attended. Over the course of the three days, we heard from some excellent speakers including the Secretary of State Robert Jenrick and the Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, who opened and closed the Conference.
Robert thanked the council for their hard work and effective engagement with the Government and stated that he would continue to advocate for councils in the upcoming Spending Review and beyond. Likewise, Sajid endorsed local government contribution to communities during this pandemic and emphasized that social care is a big priority for this Government.
Moreover, I was delighted to welcome Chris Pincher, Minister for Housing and Nadhim Zahawi, Minister for COVID Vaccine Deployment to our Conservative Group meetings. Chris answered many delegates questions around planning and the White Paper. Nadhim also spoke about the outcome of vaccination programme so far and highlighted Government’s future plans on Covid-19 booster vaccines.
During this Conference, the LGA also launched its ‘Build Back Local’ campaign to demonstrate the vital role councils must be able to play to help communities recover after COVID-19. If you have not read it yet, please visit the LGA website for more information.
All sessions from the LGA Conference are now available at the On-Demand page on the conference platform. A massive thank you to all speakers and colleagues for making this conference such a huge success.
As you may know, next year the LGA Conference will take place in-person in Harrogate on 28-30 June 2022, and I am looking forward to seeing you there again.
With the so-called ‘Freedom Day’ approaching, this week the Prime Minister confirmed that legal restrictions and social distancing would be lifted on 19th July. However, the Government expect and recommend that people wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where they come into contact with those outside their households, including on public transport. As always, we need to remain vigilant and exercise caution as some reports suggest that COVID-19 cases will continue to rise as restrictions are eased (although at a much lower level than before the vaccination programme).
On a completely different note, I would like to take this opportunity to express how saddened I am by the racist abuse of England’s football players on social media after Euro 2020 final defeat. The team did us all proud and lifted the spirits of the nation. They deserve big credit for what they have achieved.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if there is anything I, or our regional lead peers, can do to assist. You can find more details about our lead peers at the bottom of this newsletter.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe
Group Leader, LGA Conservative Group |
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Access to benefits for people with terminal illness
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that fast-tracked access to benefits will be extended to support more people diagnosed with a terminal illness.
80 million vaccines administered
More than 80 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered with 45,697,875 people receiving a first dose (86.8 per cent of adults) and 34,374,246 people receiving both doses (65.3 per cent of adults).
Code of Conduct guidance
The LGA has published supporting guidance which is aimed to help understanding and consistency of approach towards the Model Councillor Code of Conduct.
COVID Local Support Grant extension
The Government has published guidance for councils on the COVID Local Support Grant funding extension to support vulnerable households in England.
Integrated Care Systems - webinars
The LGA, with NHS Providers and NHS Confederation, are running a series of webinars for local health and care leaders to explore the key issues regarding integrated care systems. To book your place and find out more please visit Eventbrite website.
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.
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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