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“Councils are extremely concerned about the financial viability of early years providers, many of whom are operating at a loss in order to provide vital childcare for our critical workers and most vulnerable children."

“Councils have been working closely with schools throughout the coronavirus pandemic to ensure they remain open for vulnerable children and families, and where needed, councils have delivered vital IT equipment for children."

"Councils share the Commissioner’s concerns about the impact of the coronavirus crisis on vulnerable teenagers."

“The Government needs to use the forthcoming Spending Review to ensure councils have long-term, sustainable funding to invest in preventative, universal and early help services so children, young people and families receive the practical, emotional, educational and mental health support they need, as soon as they need it.”

“As the impact of the coronavirus pandemic becomes apparent, more children, young people and their families are likely to need support."

“To ensure a successful recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, communities need stability and certainty in planning. This can only be achieved through a locally-led, well-resourced planning system where communities have a proper say over developments in their local area."

"Protecting and supporting communities, including our most vulnerable, remains councils’ top priority. They are working closely alongside Public Health England, the NHS and others to assess risk, provide advice to communities and try to prevent this virus spreading further."

Responding to the publication of the Government’s Care Home Resilience Plan announced by the Health Secretary at the Downing Street briefing, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “This package of support is a recognition of councils’ vital leadership role in our national effort to combat coronavirus and protect our elderly and most vulnerable. “Social care is the frontline in the battle against this dreadful disease. As this plan makes clear, councils have a close relationship with their local care homes and are already working

“Public health, housing and social care teams will continue to work together to identify local solutions for rough sleepers most at risk, but homelessness services remain under huge pressure as a result of rising demand driven by a historic shortage of social housing.”

Cllr Richard Watts responds to plans by the Chancellor to invest £7 billion into the welfare system.